MANZINI – At least 12 women have died while giving birth in Eswatini within a five-month period, with half of the deaths recorded in health facilities under the Manzini region.
The alarming statistics have compelled the Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) Programme to convene a meeting at the Manzini Regional Education Offices (REO). The gathering brought together healthcare providers—including nurses and doctors from public clinics, hospitals, and private facilities—to discuss solutions for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
Spike in Maternal Deaths
Nomathemba Ginindza, the Manzini Regional SRH Mentor, said there has been a worrying spike in maternal deaths this year compared to 2024.
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She revealed that between January and May, 12 maternal deaths were recorded, with six of the women dying in Manzini-based health facilities.
Ginindza also highlighted a rise in maternal deaths among adolescents, some of whom reportedly took their own lives after discovering they were pregnant.
Neonatal Deaths on the Rise
Alongside maternal deaths, neonatal deaths have also increased.
Last year, over 670 neonatal deaths were reported countrywide. Ginindza said although the current national figures are not yet available, reliable sources indicate that the numbers have skyrocketed, particularly in the Manzini region.
Hypertension attacks on mothers and premature births were cited as the leading causes of neonatal deaths. Many of the babies born prematurely reportedly did not survive, even after being placed on oxygen.
Mystery of Stillbirths
Despite 99% of pregnant women undergoing prenatal care, Ginindza said healthcare workers remain puzzled by the high number of stillbirths.
“There is an imbalance between the number of stillborns and women who underwent prenatal care. We are still in the dark as healthcare workers as to what really causes this,” she said.
She explained that the purpose of the Manzini meeting was not to apportion blame but to reflect on gaps within the healthcare system and collectively identify solutions.
“We want to reflect on where we may have gone wrong as health practitioners and find workable solutions. With different minds coming together, we believe the meeting will produce positive results,” Ginindza said.
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