Fiji recorded a maternal mortality ratio of 86 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019, as revealed during the Women’s Mock Parliament in Suva last week. In response to inquiries about this statistic, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) is a vital public health indicator.
The ministry explained that this rate represents the number of maternal deaths within a specific timeframe, such as a year, relative to the number of live births during the same period. In 2019, Fiji’s MMR of 86 does not indicate that 86 mothers died that year but serves as a national benchmark for monitoring maternal mortality.
The ministry further clarified that out of every 100,000 live births, 86 mothers experienced fatalities during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days post-delivery. For context, Fiji reported a total of 19,825 live births in 2019, making the maternal mortality rate equivalent to about 20 percent of the 100,000 live births standard.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to meeting international goals set in Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, aimed at improving maternal health. The MMR saw improvements in the 2020-2021 financial year, decreasing to 48.1 per 100,000 live births.
Several factors contributing to the high maternal mortality rate include excessive bleeding during childbirth, infections related to pregnancy or delivery, hypertensive disorders such as pre-eclampsia, and issues related to unsafe abortions.