Status of Maternal Mortality in Zambia: Use of Routine Data

Abstract

Maternal mortality constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries. Although Zambia has been experiencing a decline in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) at a minimal rate, MMR still remains high, at 483 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births. Data from HMIS between 2011 and 2013 was used to analyze levels and trends of maternal mortality at national and subnational level. By yearly variation, MMR records 257/100,000 live births in 2011, (146/100,000) in 2012 and (171/100,000) in 2013. The major delivery complication was abortion which accounted for 57.4%, 55.6% and 52.6% in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Obtaining data on the magnitude of the health problem and its causes at the subnational level is vital for effective policy and program implementation and sustainability. However, improvement in skilled birth attendant and prompt efficient and enhancement routine data reporting will assist in the fight to reduce maternal mortality in Zambia