Feasibility Study for Non-contributory Maternity Income Protection and Health Protection Package in Zambia

Despite strong evidence for cost-effective interventions, protection for women in maternity is often poorly prioritised in developing countries. Within this context Zambia is no exception. Zambia is characterised by widespread poverty, income inequality and poor health outcomes, especially with respect to maternal and newborn deaths. This report seeks to address the priorities reflected in Convention No. 183 regarding the protection of women in maternity that are vulnerable to both income poverty and inadequate access to health care in Zambia. It proposes costed scenarios for the introduction of a non-contributory maternity protection cash grant and maternal and infant health care package, as well as recommendations on implementation issues.