Fiji’s maternal mortality ratio was recorded at 86 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019, according to information shared during the Women’s Mock Parliament held in Suva last week.
In response to inquiries regarding this statistic, the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of the maternal mortality rate (MMR) as a critical public health indicator. The ministry explained that the MMR is calculated by taking the number of maternal deaths within a defined time frame, such as one year, and dividing it by the number of live births in the same period, then multiplying by 100,000.
In 2019, the ratio indicates that for every 100,000 live births, 86 mothers died from complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days following delivery. The total number of births in Fiji that year was approximately 19,825, which is about 20% of 100,000 live births.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services stated that Fiji is dedicated to meeting international targets laid out in Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, which focuses on improving maternal health. The maternal mortality ratio improved significantly in the 2020-2021 financial year, dropping to 48.1 per 100,000 live births.
Several factors contributing to the high maternal mortality rate have been identified, including:
– Haemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during childbirth
– Sepsis and infection: Infections related to pregnancy or delivery
– Hypertensive disorders: Conditions such as pre-eclampsia
– Abortion: Including unsafe abortions.