Maternal Mortality: Situation and Trends

The maternal mortality rate has reduced gradually from 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births in the beginning of the 90s to 500,1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2007 (Censo 2007). The national goal for 2015 is set to 250 deaths that may be hard but potential to meet.

Routine data show that the in-hospital Maternal Mortality Rate per 100,000 live births has decreased substantially between 2008 and 2009 from 196/100,000 to 149/100,000 live births.

However, the data of the National Assessment of the Maternal and Neonatal Health Needs in Mozambique (ANN 2007/2008) show a rate of 473/100,000 live births. The difference between these two data reflects the fact that under notification of maternal deaths in the Health Information System still persists.

About 43% of the maternal obits occur during delivery and before 24 hours after delivery, while in the primary level health units death occurs with greater frequency in the first two hours of the woman’s admission, showing the precarious conditions and the late arrival of the women at the health unit.

Causes of maternal deaths in Mozambique, 2007/08 (MISAU):