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Mozambique Maternal Mortality Rate

Maternal Mortality Ratio in Mozambique

Definition: The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reflects the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, per 100,000 live births. It is an essential indicator of a country's healthcare system, particularly maternal and reproductive health services.

Current Status in Mozambique: Mozambique has made some progress in reducing maternal mortality, but the ratio remains high. According to the most recent data available from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG):

  • Maternal Mortality Ratio (2017): Approximately 289 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Historical Trends: There has been a gradual decline in the MMR over the past decades, indicating improvements in maternal health services and interventions:

  • 1990: Approximately 1,150 deaths per 100,000 live births
  • 2000: Approximately 870 deaths per 100,000 live births
  • 2010: Approximately 500 deaths per 100,000 live births
  • 2017: Approximately 289 deaths per 100,000 live births

Key Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality in Mozambique:

  1. Limited Access to Skilled Birth Attendants:
  • Many births occur without the presence of skilled healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas.
  1. Healthcare Infrastructure:
  • Insufficient healthcare facilities and equipment, especially in remote regions.
  1. Emergency Obstetric Care:
  • Limited availability of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services, which are crucial for handling complications like hemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labor.
  1. Maternal Health Conditions:
  • High prevalence of conditions such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and severe anemia that contribute to maternal deaths.
  1. Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers:
  • Cultural practices and socioeconomic factors hinder timely access to healthcare services for many women.
  1. HIV/AIDS:

  • The prevalence of HIV/AIDS impacts maternal health and increases the risk of complications and mortality.