07 Apr 2025

Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Lawrence Ookeditse says maternal deaths are preventable and called for urgent, united action to safeguard the lives of women across Botswana.

Speaking at the World Health Day commemoration in Gaborone on April 7, Mr Ookeditse acknowledged that while the country had made commendable progress in expanding healthcare infrastructure and pursuing universal health coverage, maternal mortality remained a pressing challenge.

“A significant number of women are still dying due to pregnancy-related complications such as hypertension, haemorrhage, unsafe abortions, and AIDS-related infections,” he said.

According to Mr Ookeditse, the country recorded 89 maternal deaths from 50 704 live births in 2022 translating to a Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of 175.5 per 100 000 live births.

He added that over recent years, the MMR had fluctuated between 127 (2015) and 240 (2021), far above the World Health Organisation’s target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030.

The assistant minister said maternal deaths could be prevented through stronger antenatal and postnatal care, robust public health campaigns, healthcare worker training, and partnerships with strategic stakeholders.

“This therefore calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders—government, partners, and communities—to ensure that no woman dies while giving life,” he said.

Echoing this call, maternal health consultant, Dr Morrison Sinvula reflected on Botswana’s historical fight against maternal mortality.

“In 1980, we had a maternal mortality ratio of 400 deaths per 100 000 live births. Through initiatives like free maternal services, better antenatal care and emergency response, this dropped significantly to 127 by 2015,” he said.

However, Dr Sinvula noted that progress had not been steady stating that between 2016 and 2019, maternal mortality stagnated at 144 per 100 000 live births with the outbreak of COVID-19 then reversed many gains, pushing the MMR to 240 in 2021.

“This is not just a statistic, it is a call to action,” he said.

Dr Sinvula identified postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infections including sepsis as the primary preventable causes of maternal deaths.

He said delays in seeking care, reaching care and receiving quality care as the root of many of these tragedies.

He also commended the recent transfer of Primary Health Care under the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, calling it a ‘game-changer’ in improving access and availability of quality services at the grassroots level.

“As we commemorate this World Health Day, let us go beyond speeches and declarations. Let this be the moment we double our efforts, amplify our impact and ensure that no woman dies while giving life,” said Dr Sinvula. Ends