PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has recorded 70 cases of maternal deaths due to Covid-19 since the pandemic began, says the Health Ministry on Wednesday (Aug 11).

       Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 17 of the deaths occurred from June 2021, when the numbers began to surge.

       “Data shows that of the 17 maternal deaths reported from June 2021, 15 cases involved unvaccinated people. Another two cases had only received one vaccination dose.

       “About 47% of those deaths have some form of comorbidity,” said Dr Noor Hisham in a statement Wednesday.

       Dr Noor Hisham said from March 2020 to June 2021, a total of 3,396 pregnant women in Malaysia have been infected with Covid-19.

       “The Health Ministry views the matter of Covid-19 infection among pregnant women seriously, as this is a group that has a high risk of getting severe infection, besides the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.

       According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), pregnant women are at higher risk of getting severe Covid-19 infection and require admission to Intensive Care Units (ICU) and ventilation, compared to non-pregnant women.

       “Severe Covid-19 infections often occur in the second and third trimester,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

       Dr Noor Hisham said it is vital for pregnant women to be vaccinated, in order to prevent the risk of complications brought by Covid-19 infection.

       “As pregnant mothers are at risk of attaining severe Covid-19 infection, preventive measures are much needed.

       “Husbands must support their partners in getting them vaccinated. Vaccination must be done before entering the final phase of pregnancy.

       “Pregnant women who have not yet received a vaccination appointment can contact the nearest health clinic to expedite the process,” he said.

       Dr Noor Hisham said up to Aug 8, some 146,759 pregnant women have registered for Covid-19 vaccine on MySejahtera.

       Of that total, 57% (83,251) have received at least one vaccination dose, while 20% are fully vaccinated.

       “Based on the estimated numbers of pregnancy in a year, only 40% pregnant women have registered for vaccination on MySejahtera - which is still low,” said Dr Noor Hisham.