The Zimbabwean government has taken a significant step in its efforts to reduce maternal d3aths by partnering with apostolic sects in Mashonaland Central province.
The move comes as a response to the high number of maternal d3aths in the region, particularly among members of the apostolic sects who have been hesitant to seek medical attention due to their religious beliefs.
According to the provincial medical director, Clemence Tshuma, the partnership has already shown promising results. Since the start of the year, the province has recorded only eight maternal d3aths, a significant decrease from the over 20 d3aths recorded during the same period last year.
Despite this progress, the number of maternal d3aths in Zimbabwe remains high, with a maternal mortality ratio of 363 per 100,000 live births. This is a stark contrast to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) target of reducing maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Globally, the WHO reports that every day, about 800 women d!e from preventable causes related to pregn@ncy and childbirth. In low-income countries like Zimbabwe, the maternal mortality ratio is significantly higher, with a rate of 430 per 100,000 live births in 2020.
To address this issue, the government is working with partners such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to scale up funding to the health sector and implement programs to reduce maternal mortality.
The UNFPA is providing technical and financial support to the government at national, provincial, and district levels.
The agency’s efforts include developing policies and guidelines on reproductive health, providing training on emergency obstetric and neonatal care, and supporting the provision of essential reproductive health commodities.
The government is also working with opinion leaders, civil society, and interest groups to contribute to the reduction of global maternal mortality.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
