The triple threat of pregnancy, HIV infection and malaria: Reported causes of maternal mortality in two nationwide health facility assessments in Mozambique, 2007 and 2012

In health facilities with childbirth services, maternal mortality due to direct obstetric causes appears to have declined significantly between 2007 and 2012. Despite an increased availability of antiretrovirals and antimalarials, especially at the lower levels of health care, HIV, malaria and anemia continue to exact a heavy toll on child-bearing women. Efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths must maximize the use of antenatal care that includes integrated preventive and treatment options for HIV infection, malaria and anemia.