Maternal health in Zambia needs dignity and respect

Lusaka, Zambia — The Zambian health system faces a critical challenge that extends beyond statistics. Although the country has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, many women still give birth in environments that lack privacy and respect, underscoring the need for a more holistic approach to maternal healthcare.

The concept of Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) asks what maternal health would look like if every woman were treated with dignity. This approach recognizes that the quality of care is as important as access to care. In Zambia, recent declines in maternal mortality have been driven by political commitment, improved services, and strong partnerships. Yet the experience of women in delivery rooms varies widely, with concerns about transport, equipment, and treatment. Disrespect in maternity wards reflects deeper systemic issues, including gendered power imbalances and inadequate training for health workers. A lack of empathy, communication, and accountability can erode trust in the social contract.

To address these problems, Zambia’s health system must prioritize respectful care, acknowledging that tone of voice, privacy, and consent are essential indicators of justice. The country’s reforms, such as the Zambia Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition Roadmap, provide a solid policy foundation, but policy must be backed by political will, funding, and accountability. Parliamentary oversight is crucial to ensure that investments in healthcare infrastructure are matched by systems that value respectful practice.

Midwives play a critical role in promoting respectful care; their training and support are essential for creating a culture of empathy and dignity. Meaningful change will require redistributing power, training health workers in rights‑based approaches, and involving communities in service design. Zambia must also prioritize postnatal care, recognizing that maternal health does not end with childbirth.

By integrating respectful care into the DNA of the health system, Zambia can build a more equitable and just healthcare environment. As the country strengthens its health system, collaboration among parliamentarians, civil society, and health professionals will be vital to ensuring that every woman can give birth safely and with dignity.