Eastern Province has so far recorded fifteen maternal deaths since the beginning of this year.
This came to light during the Provincial Epidemics Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management meeting in Chipata yesterday.
Provincial Surveillance Officer Jordan Banda says that the fifteen maternal deaths were recorded in Chipata, Petauke and Katete with each of the districts recording five deaths.
He says while the rest of the districts have recorded no maternal deaths, the fifteen from the three districts is high and serious measures need to be put in place in order to correct the situation.
And speaking during the same event, Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says that it is important that going forward, any clinic or health post constructed should have a maternity annex to reduce the deaths.
And commenting to the remarks by the Permanent Secretary, Acting Provincial Health Director Charles Fanaka says that the Ministry is aware that that the infrastructure they have is not adequate.
He says that it is for this reason that the Ministry of Health with the support of NGOs is in the process of constructing mother shelters, were expectant mothers can go to wait from, until labour commences.
Dr. Fanaka says that this will help in ensuring that all pregnant women receive the help they need in giving birth as soon as possible.