The Missing Link Between Maternal Mortality Outcomes and Expanded HIV/Aids Services in Zimbabwe, 2009-2013

Abstract

Background: Numerous reports have been made on the worsening maternal mortality rates in Zimbabwe over the past few years. There are strong doubts about the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal 5 by 2015. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal mortality rates and HIV/AIDS services from 2009 to 2013 in Zimbabwe. Methodology: A retrospective case study involving secondary data analysis of HIV/AIDS service trends as indicated by prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage rates and maternal mortality rates (MMR) in Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2013 was carried out. STATA version 12 package was used to generate evidence for the study. Research findings: There was no association (r = 0) between MMR and PMTCT coverage rate (p>0.05) and between MMR and adult ARV coverage rate (r=+0.2) (p>0.05) in Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2013. Adult ART and PMTCT coverage rates were improved tremendously by 43 and 34 per cent respectively over the five year period. There were some increases of 68 per cent between 2010 and 2011 in MMR. However, a decrease of 51 per cent was recorded between 2011 and 2013. Conclusions: The scaling up of HIV/AIDS services in developing countries is a notable public health intervention which requires integration with the health system in order to achieve and sustain low MMR. Health policy reforms aimed at integrating disease-specific interventions with the health systems are imperative in low-and middle income countries.