Zambia Sees Significant Drop in Maternal Deaths

By Patricia Banda

Zambia has recorded a reduction in maternal deaths, according to the 2024 demographic survey.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, disclosed that the reduction is from 278 per 100,000 births in 2018 to 195.

Dr. Lishimpi explained that Zambia’s newborn mortality has also dropped from 27 per 100,000 live births to 17 in the same period.

Dr. Lishimpi was speaking at the launch of the University of Zambia and King’s College London Maternal Health Research Collaboration in Lusaka.

Dr. Lishimpi also said there is a need to address hypertensive conditions in pregnant women if sustainable progress is to be made in maternal health.

Meanwhile, Professor of Obstetrics from the University of Zambia, Bellington Vwalika, said King’s College London and the University of Zambia have collaborated very well in the field of research over the last 10 years.