Wa Records Progress in Healthcare but Faces Alarming Rise in Maternal Mortality

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The Municipal Health Director for Wa, Dr. Alex Bapula, has raised concerns over the rising maternal mortality rate in the municipality despite notable improvements in other health indicators in 2025. Addressing participants at the ongoing Annual Performance Review Conference themed “Improving Coordination Across Districts to Reduce Maternal Deaths,” Dr. Bapula emphasized the urgent need for multi-district collaboration to combat this critical issue.

In his presentation, Dr. Bapula acknowledged that the year began with significant challenges, notably inadequate funding that hampered the full implementation of key health programs. The municipality also faced an early meningitis outbreak, which stretched healthcare resources and demanded rapid response from health professionals. Additional public health challenges included low uptake of the malaria vaccine, increasing cases of anemia and typhoid, and threats posed by maternal and prenatal illnesses. The health system also grappled with issues in immunization coverage and breast cancer management, compounded by shortages of transportation, healthcare personnel—including doctors and midwives—and logistical support

Despite these obstacles, Dr. Bapula commended the support from partner institutions, including the Municipal Assembly and collaborating health facilities, which contributed to certain health performance improvements.

On the positive side, the municipality recorded progress in several key health indicators. Skilled delivery coverage increased from 86.4 percent in 2024 to 90.86 percent in 2025, surpassing the national target of 85 percent. Facility-based deliveries improved from 85.1 percent to 91.7 percent, exceeding the national benchmark of 65 percent. Postnatal care coverage saw a modest rise from 84 percent to 85 percent, although it still fell short of the 90 percent national goal. The municipality also made strides in expanding diabetes screening services and significantly increased blood supply availability from 32.2 percent to nearly 63 percent. Treatment success rates for tuberculosis improved, and immunization efforts, including yellow fever vaccination, achieved most of their targets.

However, the most concerning development was the increase in maternal mortality. The rate rose from 136 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024 to 194 per 100,000 in 2025, far above the global target of zero preventable maternal deaths. Dr. Bapula highlighted that this upward trend underscores the critical need for intensified efforts and regional collaboration to address maternal health challenges.

The conference theme was deliberately chosen to focus on strengthening coordination among districts to reverse the rising maternal mortality trend, a goal that remains a priority for the Wa Municipal Health Directorate. As Dr. Bapula emphasized, concerted efforts across multiple districts are essential to bring about meaningful change and ensure safer motherhood for all.