Leaving no Woman or Child Behind: Addressing Health Inequalities in Zambia

Abstract

Zambia remains one of the countries in the sub-Sahran region with the highest maternal and child mortality ratios. Although Zambia has made progress in reducing maternal deaths from the estimated 729 per 100,000 live births in 2002, declining to 591 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2007 and a further decline to 398 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013-14, progress has been slow and uneven. Reduction of mortality and morbidity for mothers and children can be increased by succesful coverage and utilization of services. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include ambitious targets - including ending all preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths by 2030. A vital element of the SDGs is to effectively mitigate inequalties and ensure universal coverage of essential preventive interventions to facilitate access to life saving services for Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (RMNCH). In line with the SDG goals, Zambia will need to better understand inequalities in order to prioritize effective and equitable strategies for improving women's and children's health. To do this, there is need to examine current performance in coverage along the continuum of care in order to track progress and ensure that the set targets are achieved.