To lower Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate, government representatives, medical professionals, and other important players have come together to create long-term solutions.
This cooperative strategy seeks to increase expectant mothers’ access to necessary medical care, especially in rural areas.
According to ZBC News, The maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe, which is currently 357 de@ths per 100,000 live births, is declining. Stakeholders convened in Harare to devise strategies for lowering the maternal de@th rate in order to address issues including lack of documentation and lengthy travel times to medical facilities.
Mr. Kudakwashe Munemo, National Coordinator of the Alliance for Community-Based Organisations, said, “This initiative aims to strengthen a multi-stakeholder approach to address the challenges women and girls face in accessing documentation and health services, especially in rural provinces. Today, we are convening with stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, the Civil Registry Department, provincial medical directors, and other actors from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, to ensure access to health services.”
Ms. Sandra Zenda, Programme Coordinator for the Institute For Young Women’s Development, highlighted the importance of the gathering for marginalized communities. “This gathering is important for us, especially young people from marginalized communities, as it gives us an opportunity to highlight the challenges we face. We also thank the government for implementing initiatives to reduce maternal and child mortality.”
The government has pledged to increase awareness efforts, emphasizing the importance of early medical attention for expecting mothers. Mrs. Lilian Matsika Takaendesa, Chief Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, stated, “As a government, we are committed to reducing the maternal mortality rate. We have observed that some religious sects do not encourage hospital visits, leading to deaths. We are raising awareness in all provinces.”
Parliamentarians are also supporting the initiative, urging the Treasury to provide funds and resources. Honourable Beatrice Nyamupinga, a member of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, said, “We are pushing for a 15 per cent budget allocation to the Ministry of Health to ensure healthcare facilities are within five kilometres of every district, especially in rural areas. We also advocate for mother waiting shelters in every clinic or hospital, allowing mothers to arrive before their due date.”
The government is taking various measures to eliminate maternal mortality, including building additional health facilities and training more healthcare professionals.
