Gaborone, Botswana – 17 May 2019: As maternal mortality is high in Botswana and a cause for concern for WHO and partners, WHO is on a drive to bring on board as many partners as possible to assist the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in their quest to reduce maternal mortality and ensure that Botswana reaches the SDG 3 goal of reduction of maternal deaths to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

The Ministry had reduced Maternal Maternity Ratio (MMR) from 151/100,000 to 127/100,000 in 2015. The ratio then increased to 156/100,000 in 2016, however, it has declined to 143/100,000 in 2017.  The major causes of maternal death from Jan-Dec 2018 have mainly been Post-Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) (34%); Abortion (21%); and Pre/Eclampsia (17%).   These are causes of maternal deaths that are preventable and if the right knowledge and skill are used in the care of women experiencing these complications, no woman would die. 

It is the picture presented by these figures above that has prompted WHO to look beyond its traditional partners and engage other stakeholders to come on board.  On May 17th 2019, WHO made a presentation of the status of maternal mortality reduction in Botswana to the Rotary International Club during their weekly luncheon meeting on Friday.  The challenges the program is faced with, shared with Rotarians, included but not limited to the following:
• lack of continuity of care due to transfer of midwives; 
• shortage of qualified officer to coordinate Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiatives; 
• occasional out of stock of essential commodities;
• inadequate skills of some personnel; 
• inadequate funds to run the programme, among others.  

In response to the presentation, Rotary International promised to do all it can to support the program and will continue to engage with WHO to determine of areas to collaborate on.