Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says despite Zambia not meeting the target of reducing maternal mortality, the country has made great strides in reducing maternal deaths.
UNFPA Country representative Mary Otieno says the country is now at 398 per 100,000 live births against the target of 162 per 100,000 live births in 2015.
Dr. Otieno says what the country needs to do is to scale up the number of skilled midwives who can handle pregnancy or delivery complications especially in rural areas.
She notes that the country should also equip health facilities with necessary equipment and essential medicines to avert maternal deaths.
Dr. Otieno adds there is also need for enhanced comprehensive sexual education to adolescents to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
She has however, commended government and other stakeholders for the efforts being put in place to reduce maternal mortality.