Botswana lost 100 mothers to childbirth in 2022
Botswana lost nearly 100 mothers to pregnancy and childbirth complications in 2022, according to a newly released Statistics Botswana report.
This occurred despite almost all women giving birth in health facilities under the care of skilled health workers. Out of 54,000 live births recorded that year, one mother died for every 600 deliveries.
While this marks progress compared to the early 2000s—when weak emergency obstetric services and the HIV/AIDS epidemic drove maternal deaths above 300 annually—the report warns that Botswana remains far from eliminating preventable maternal deaths.
More than half of the 2022 deaths were concentrated in Ngamiland East, Kgalagadi South, and Kweneng East. Ngamiland East alone recorded 52 deaths, linked to long distances to hospitals, weak referral systems, and limited emergency care. Kgalagadi South reported 41 deaths, unusually high for its sparse population, while Kweneng East recorded 37.
Urban villages accounted for nearly three-quarters of all maternal deaths, with peri-urban growth straining clinics and maternity wards. By contrast, mining towns such as Jwaneng, Orapa, and Sowa reported zero cases, and Gaborone recorded only two, reflecting better-resourced facilities and specialist access.
Age also played a role: most deaths occurred among women aged 30–39, while those over 40 faced the highest risk once pregnant. The report highlights the dangers of late childbearing, especially when combined with existing
health conditions.
Alongside maternal health, fertility patterns show little decline. Women still average nearly three children, with rural and poorer districts recording higher numbers. In cities such as Gaborone and Francistown, fertility has
dropped below two children per woman. Education and employment remain key factors, with less schooling and unemployment linked to higher fertility.
Although contraceptive use has improved, progress has slowed among adolescents and low-income households. The report also points to gaps in postnatal follow-up care—a period when many maternal deaths occur—and weak data systems that hinder prevention efforts.
It concludes that Botswana has the policies and services needed to protect mothers, but until access, quality of care, and data collection improve, preventable maternal deaths will persist.