Sharp Decrease in Maternal Deaths, New Survey Shows

One welcome statistic found in the newly published 2024 demographic survey was a significant reduction in the number of maternal deaths – deaths of mothers brought about my childbirth complications, in Zambia.

This information was disclosed by Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, speaking at the University of Zambia and King’s College London Maternal Health Research Collaboration in Lusaka. There he shared the news that in 2018, the rate of maternal deaths was 278 in every 100,000 births, and that by 2024 this number had reduced to 195. Also, infant mortality is down; from 27 in every 100,000 to 17 over the same 6-year period. This is hugely welcome news and speaks volumes about Zambia’s progress regarding health outcomes over the last number of years. However, Lishimpi was clear about where improvements can still be made, particularly in addressing hypertensive conditions in pregnant women.

At the same event, Bellington Vwalika, Professor of Obstetrics from the University of Zambia, praised the collaboration between his University and King’s College London, lauding this cooperation and the valuable research it has produced over the last 10 years. Such collaboration will, it is hoped, further improve Zambia’s health outcomes, and the progress with maternal deaths is certainly grounds for further optimism.