The Coordinator for Safe Motherhood in Nsanje district, Modester Chimwenje, has expressed alarm over the high number of maternal and neonatal deaths in the district.

Chimwenje reported that between April and September 2021, five women died during childbirth, while six more died during the same period in 2022. Additionally, 31 neonates died between April and September 2021, and 35 neonates died during the same period in 2022.

Chimwenje attributed the deaths to pregnant women who delay attending Antenatal Clinic (ANC) during the first trimester, stating that only 11% of women show up for these appointments.

Despite this, Chimwenje described the situation as worrisome.

In response to the crisis, Presidential Advisor on Safe Motherhood, Dorothy Ngoma, is organizing an interface meeting with the district’s women faith leaders in an effort to spur action on the matter.