Government calls for stronger action as Zambia’s neonatal deaths remain high

The government has expressed worries that despite progress in reducing Zambia’s neonatal mortality rate, significant challenges persisted.

According to the 2022 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, the country’s neonatal mortality rate stands at 17 deaths per 1,000 live births, still above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 12 per 1,000 by 2030.

Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima, highlighted this during the official opening of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses Conference in Lusaka on Friday, held under the theme “Neonatal Nurses: The Cornerstone for Critical Newborn Care, Everywhere.”

“While this reflects modest improvement, it remains far from our SDG target. It is especially painful to acknowledge that many of these deaths are preventable,” Muchima said.

He announced that government had embarked on a strategic initiative to establish neonatal nursing training programmes in all colleges across the country, while also working to institutionalise the profession by restructuring the health workforce to ensure that every maternity facility has trained neonatal nurses.

“I also wish to commend the Council of International Neonatal Nurses for two decades of global leadership in elevating the voice of neonatal nurses and championing excellence in newborn care,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO) President, Fray Michelo, called for greater investment in specialised neonatal training, as well as supportive working environments that include adequate equipment, staffing, and mentorship.

“When nurses and midwives are empowered with the right skills, resources, and policies, we see direct improvements in newborn survival rates. This is why we continue to advocate,” Michelo said.

He further emphasised the power of partnerships with government, UNICEF, academic institutions, and professional bodies, noting that such collaborations would accelerate Zambia’s progress towards ending preventable newborn deaths by 2030.

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