High rate of stillbirths worries government

Government says the high rate of stillbirths in the country is a source of worry.

Ministry of health assistant director of child health and nutrition, patricia mutepa says investing in the prevention of stillbirths; maternal and neonatal mortality will reduce the high rate of stillbirths the country is recording.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on stillbirths, ms mutepa who represented health permanent secretary for administration dr. Kennedy malama has noted that most stillbirths are preventable with quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth.

She has stressed the need to review the causes of stillbirth in order to improve quality of healthcare, take corrective actions and prevent millions of women and families from enduring the pain of losing their babies.

Ms. Mutepa states that it is for this reason that her ministry has undertaken massive infrastructure development which has seen the construction of hospitals and health posts across the country.

She has emphasized that government is determined to increase number of specialists in all fields so as to improve birth outcomes.

And making a presentation on stillbirths in Zambia, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Professor Bellington Vwalika lamented that sustainable development goals have largely overlooked issues to do with stillbirths.