Good morning.

It is an honour and privilege to stand before you today as Guest of Honour at this important scientific congress. The theme, “Towards 2030 Reduction of Preventable Maternal Deaths: Strengthening Obstetrics and Gynaecology Practice in Zambia,” resonates deeply with the Zambia Medical Association’s commitment to improving the healthcare and well-being of all Zambians.

Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in our country, and indeed, across the region. While we have made commendable progress in the recent years, far too many mothers are still losing lives during pregnancy and childbirth. This is unacceptable. Every woman deserves the chance to experience the joy of motherhood safely and without fear.

This Congress provides a crucial platform for us, as healthcare professionals, to come together and share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to address this pressing issue. We must collectively strive to strengthen the capacity of our Obstetricians and Gynaecologists across the country, and guarantee access to quality care for all women, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

ZMA recognizes the critical role that ZAGO plays in this endeavour. Your dedication to advancing the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology through research, training, and advocacy is truly inspiring. I commend your efforts in pushing for evidence-based practices, improving maternal health, and advocating for policies that prioritize the health of women and newborns.

As we move towards 2030, we must accelerate our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.1) of ending preventable maternal deaths. This requires a multi-sectoral approach involving not only healthcare providers but also policymakers, community leaders, and the general public.

Also, we need to invest in the training and capacity-building of healthcare providers, including OBGYNs, midwives, nurses, clinical officers among other healthcare cadres. We must also ensure that our healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and supplies to provide high-quality care. Furthermore, we need to promote a culture of safety and quality in our healthcare system, where adverse events are reported and learned from, and where continuous quality improvement is encouraged.

In addition, we must address the socio-cultural factors that contribute to maternal mortality, such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. We need to work with communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to promote health education, family planning, and reproductive health services.

As we move forward, we must also leverage technology and innovation to improve maternal healthcare. This includes the use of digital health platforms, telemedicine, and mobile health services to increase access to care, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, so that we reduce rural health access inequality.

In conclusion, I wish to commend the ZAGO for providing a platform as this one for us to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in healthcare. I urge all of us to commit to working together to reduce preventable maternal deaths in our country and beyond, and to strengthen Obstetrics and Gynaecology practice.

Let us strive towards a future where every woman countrywide has access to quality maternal healthcare, and where no woman dies from preventable causes during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. Together, we are destined to make a difference and create a healthier, and more equitable society for all.

Allow me now to declare this Scientific Congress officially open, and looking forward to fruitful deliberations.

May God bless you all.

28th November 2025