Ngoma said mothers are shunning health facilities for fear of catching Covid 19.

She told journalists in Blantyre on Thursday that it is of great concern that the number of maternal deaths is now increasing, currently hanging at between 8 to 10 mothers per day.

“We cannot continue to see mothers dying of maternal related complications. We need to join hands to stop this,” said Ngoma

Ngoma added that religious need to ask the political leadership tough questions on measures to improve safe motherhood issues in the country.

Deputy Secretary General for Blantyre Synod Reverend Moyenda Kanjerwa says will use existing church structures to encourage women to deliver at hospitals.

“I therefore recommend that government should maintain better policies that were spearheaded by the former regime.

“We hope to continue engaging government to curb maternal deaths,” he said.

The sentiments came after Ngoma engaged about 30 religious leaders to drill them on safe motherhood.