Poor access to health facilities and low-quality health care delivery may be among the reasons that Zambia is facing increasing levels of maternal deaths. While many maternal emergencies can be prevented with prompt and appropriate lifesaving care, many of the women who die do not receive the attention of skilled health personnel.

Data indicate that the already high levels of maternal deaths are climbing. The 1996 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) estimated that for every 100,000 live births, 649 women died as a result of obstetric complications.1 Latest figures from the ZDHS 2001/2002 indicate that the number has increased to 729 deaths per 100,000 live births. By contrast, estimates in neighboring Namibia are around 370 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to estimates from UN agencies.2