The collaborative training programme by a team of nine Russian medical specialists in Zimbabwe aims to enhance local healthcare professionals’ skills in emergency obstetric and neonatal care, addressing critical health challenges in the country.
This initiative, underscored by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, seeks to significantly reduce both neonatal and perinatal mortality rates, aligning with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services.
While acknowledging the country’s commendable progress in maternal health, such as high antenatal care coverage and increased institutional deliveries, Dr. Mombeshora emphasized that Zimbabwe still faces challenges in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The targets include reducing maternal mortality rates to below 70 per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births, illustrating the urgent need for enhanced healthcare interventions.
The Russian Ambassador, Nikolai Karasilnikov, highlighted the importance of maternal and child health within Russia’s public health priorities, noting the successful implementation of international projects aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in Africa.
The Kulakov Center’s involvement, providing seminars and training sessions in Zimbabwe, reflects a commitment to sharing expertise and fostering bilateral cooperation in healthcare.
Additionally, there is a growing interest among Zimbabwean doctors to participate in further training opportunities in Moscow, showcasing the positive impact of this collaboration.
This partnership not only emphasizes medical knowledge transfer but also solidifies diplomatic relations, with discussions between President Putin and President Mnangagwa highlighting healthcare as a central theme.
Such initiatives, including the humanitarian supply of vaccines and medical staff, underscore the intertwined goals of improving health outcomes and fostering international cooperation.
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