The Role of Anemia in Maternal Mortality in African Countries: A Comparative Study

Nyiramana Mukamurera P.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                            ABSTRACT
Anemia remains one of the most significant yet preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in Africa. Despite global progress in reducing maternal deaths, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear a disproportionate burden, with anemia contributing to a substantial share of these fatalities. This review examines the role of anemia in maternal mortality across African countries, exploring its epidemiology, underlying causes, regional disparities, and policy responses. The study compares data from various African regions West, East, Central, North, and Southern Africa, to understand how socioeconomic, nutritional, and healthcare factors interact to shape anemiarelated maternal outcomes. It also highlights successful interventions and persistent challenges in tackling maternal anemia. The review concludes that addressing anemia requires a multi-sectoral approach involving nutritional supplementation, malaria and parasitic infection control, improved maternal healthcare services, and broader socioeconomic empowerment of women.

Keywords: Anemia, Maternal Mortality, Iron Deficiency, Public Health, Africa, Comparative Study, Nutrition, Reproductive Health.

CITE AS: Nyiramana Mukamurera P. (2026). The Role of Anemia in Maternal Mortality in African Countries: A Comparative Study. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 6(1):48-52. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2026/614852