The Zomba District Health Office (DHO) says it recorded thirteen maternal deaths in 2024.

This was disclosed during the unveiling ceremony of Senior Chief Chikowi and Senior Chief Malemia as safe motherhood ambassadors for the district, as one way of promoting safe motherhood.

Zomba DHO safe motherhood coordinator, Mlera Kasola, said the district is still registering low uptake of family planning methods among women and an increase in home deliveries, which affects safe motherhood initiatives.

Kasola thus said the ambassadors will play a vital role in empowering communities to promote safe motherhood.

On his part, Senior Chief Malemia said he has embraced the ambassadorship and that he will commit to working with stakeholders and members of the community to enhance safe motherhood.