Zambia has recorded a notable decline in maternal and newborn mortality rates, according to the 2024 demographic survey, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, announced that maternal deaths have dropped from 278 per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 195 in 2024. Similarly, newborn mortality has declined from 27 per 1,000 live births to 17 over the same period.
Speaking at the launch of the University of Zambia and King’s College London Maternal Health Research Collaboration in Lusaka, Dr. Lishimpi emphasized the importance of addressing hypertensive conditions in pregnant women to sustain this progress.
The collaboration between the two institutions has been instrumental in advancing maternal health research. Professor Bellington Vwalika of the University of Zambia highlighted the success of the decade-long partnership with King’s College London, which has contributed significantly to research and capacity building in maternal healthcare.
While maternal and newborn mortality rates remain a concern, the latest improvements demonstrate the impact of sustained healthcare investments and research efforts. Authorities continue to stress the need for ongoing interventions to further enhance maternal and child health outcomes across the country.