MONICA KAYOMBO,Zambia, Lusaka
MARTENAL mortality in Zambia remains a pressing concern, with high-risk pregnancies and poor health-seeking behavior being major contributors. Despite the statistics indicating a decline in maternal mortality rates, the challenge persists, with limited health workers struggling to meet the demand.
The recent withdrawal of United States (US) support to the health sector has prompted the Zambian Government to re-strategize its approach to addressing maternal health issues
Assistant Director of Maternal Health at Ministry of Health in Zambia Dr Angel Mwiche, explains that the government has increased its allocation for procuring reproductive health commodities, covering the gap created by the US withdrawal.
“The model of delivery of maternal health services in Zambia is such that public service workers are employed to deliver services on behalf of the government, with support from cooperating partners,” Dr. Mwiche explains.
He says the government has mobilized resources to cover the $3.6 million gap in procuring commodities, ensuring that reproductive health services continue uninterrupted.
However, the withdrawal of US support has affected family planning services, which the government aims to scale up.
According to the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH-N) report supported by the World Bank in Zambia, Zambia has achieved reductions in maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates, but progress remains inadequate to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.
Dr Mwiche highlights that postpartum hemorrhage, infections, high blood pressure, and poor health-seeking behaviors are major contributors to maternal mortality.
The government’s efforts to address these challenges include strengthening primary healthcare services, investing in health infrastructure, and devolving health services to local authorities.
Zambia’s maternal mortality rate has declined from 278 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 195 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024. Institutional deliveries have increased to 80%, and newborn mortality rates have decreased from 27 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 17 in 2024.
Dr Mwiche observes that despite these gains, challenges persist, including limited healthcare workers, insufficient equipment, and social problems related to accommodation and transport.
The government is working to address these issues, with the European Union (EU) recently donating $900,000 worth of essential equipment to 100 health facilities.
Dr Mwiche emphasizes the importance of community involvement, citing the Safe Mother Action Groups (SMAGs) initiative, which encourages women to attend antenatal care early.
“Maternal health is a priority in the SDGs and the government’s plans, It should be a priority for everyone in Zambia,” Dr Mwiche says.
He says the government’s commitment to improving maternal health is evident in its policies, including the 8th National Development Plan and the National Health Strategic Plan.
With continued support from cooperating partners and community involvement, Zambia can make significant strides in reducing maternal mortality and achieving the set goals.
Recently, the EU in Zambia handed over to the Ministry of Health under the EU-funded EC4HD Programme.
The donated represented $ (USD) 290,000 in essential equipment in first batch of equipment totaling (USD) $ 900,000.
This mean 100 health facilities in the country have benefited from the support which will reach 1.3 million people including 73, 000 pregnant women and 70, 000 newborns.
During the official handover ceremony held during the last week of November, 2025, UNICEF Zambia country representative Dr Saja Abdullah, emphasized that the: equipment alone doesn’t save lives, trained people, strong systems and good leadership do.”
EU team leader for Governance and social sector Mr Bogdan Stefanescu, noted that “A critical dimension of both maternal and newborn mortality is adolescent pregnancy. When a girl becomes pregnant before her body, mind and future are fully ready, the consequences can be lifelong’’.
