13 women die each day giving birth in Mozambique

At least 13 women die every day in Mozambique from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, Health Minister Armindo Tiago has said.

He added that he was greatly concerned by these high numbers despite some improvements in recent years.

Among the causes of death are haemorrhaging before, during and after childbirth, complications from unsafe abortions and HIV, Dr Tiago told health professionals at a meeting called to try and find solutions to the high mortality rates.

The situation causes other problems. For example, children whose mothers die during childbirth have only a 50% chance of surviving their first year.

“In our country, despite the remarkable progress in reducing under-five mortality… Neonatal mortality is still a challenge.”

BBC