The outbreak of Covid -19 pandemic has put economies including that of Malawi on a tight corner.

While the economy has been highly affected the health care system has also suffered. One such sector in health system which has been affected by the pandemic is safe Motherhood.

According to the Chief Advisor of Safe Motherhood Dorothy Ngoma says the problem has been the myths that are circulating which are hampering access to health care in hospitals.

Meanwhile Ngoma says for example in a few selected hospitals the number of women dying of maternal complications in the past eight months has gone up.

‘’ It has transpired that in public hospitals amidst the pandemic very few access health care services. There are a lot of myths that are surrounding access to health care in hospital which are not true .Our call is that our women should continue accessing medical care if we are to attain the sustainable development  goals on health care,’’ said Ngoma.

One of the senior medical officers at Kamuzu Cental, Dr. Thokozani Liwewe says situation is dire in Lilongwe.

‘’ We have witnessed a decline in the number of women delivering at our facility. We are worried because some come to the hospital while things have already worsened. Services in maternal health are just exactly like they were before Covid 19,’’ said Dr. Liwewe.

Maternal deaths in the country stand at 439 per 100, 000 lives births.

Malawi intends to reduce the number to 150 per 100, 000 live births by 2030.