Improved Midwifery Services Drive Down Maternal Deaths in North-Western Province

The North-Western Province has seen a marked decline in maternal deaths, largely due to strengthened midwifery services supported by government initiatives. This progress has been driven by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMZC), which continue to play a critical role in regulating and enhancing the quality of maternal care.

These efforts have not only expanded access to skilled midwives but have also integrated midwifery more effectively into the broader healthcare system, improving both capacity and service delivery.

Speaking to ZANIS in Solwezi, Public Health Specialist Dr. Kizito Sampa acknowledged the persistent challenges facing maternal and newborn health but highlighted encouraging progress in reducing maternal mortality in the province.  

“In 2022, the province recorded 71 maternal deaths. That number dropped to 51 in 2023, and further to 50 in 2024. So far, in the first quarter of this year, we have recorded 17 deaths,” Dr. Sampa said, “our aim is to reach zero maternal deaths in our facilities.”

He stressed the indispensable role midwives play in safeguarding the health of mothers and their babies, calling for continued investment in and support for midwifery services to sustain the gains made and move closer to eradicating maternal deaths entirely.