Story by Vivian Bangamu
HARARE – THE Government of Zimbabwe, the People’s Republic of China, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Wednesday marked the successful completion of the Health Assistance Project for Women and Girls Affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai.
The signing ceremony of the completion certificate was held at the UNFPA Country Office in Harare, with dignitaries and partners lauding the project as a hallmark of South-South cooperation and a tangible example of tripartite collaboration in post-disaster recovery.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, expressed his appreciation to UNFPA and the Ministry of Health and Child Care for their commitment to the project, noting the life-changing impact it has had on cyclone-affected communities.
“This project has brought security and dignity to mothers and children in the cyclone-affected regions. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation, dedication, and shared humanity. Our gathering is a tribute to the profound impact we have collectively made on the lives of the most vulnerable.
“These achievements transcend mere statistics; they represent lives saved, families strengthened, and communities empowered. By equipping healthcare professionals with essential skills and tools, and by creating safer, more dignified conditions for childbirth, this project has delivered real, lasting change where it is needed most. It has also significantly complemented the Zimbabwean government’s effort in reducing maternal mortality,” he said.
Launched in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019, the project was funded through a US$1.24 million grant from the China South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The intervention focused on strengthening emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts hardest hit by the cyclone, with over 60 000 mothers, having received life-saving delivery services.
Three maternity waiting homes were refurbished at Mutambara Mission Hospital, Chipinge District Hospital and Birchenough Bridge Hospital.
Nearly 300 health workers were trained in emergency maternal and neonatal care, while, 81 health facilities received essential maternal health equipment and medicines.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Sleiman Kwidini, commended the support from the Chinese Government, emphasising the alignment of the initiative with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1) and health sector priorities.
“We have witnessed a significant improvement in the capacity and quality of maternal health services in affected areas. This support has directly contributed to a reduction in maternal mortality, which declined from 462 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2019 to 362 in 2022.
“While, notable progress has been made in lowering maternal mortality, achieving the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030 requires multifaceted partnerships to close gaps in the delivery and accessibility of quality healthcare to ensure that all vulnerable women and girls have access to life-saving maternal health services.” Dr Kwidini said.
UNFPA Country Representative, Mrs Miranda Tabifor, described the project as a “milestone” in Zimbabwe-China collaboration for women’s health during crises.
“This project is a model of what can be achieved when nations come together in solidarity. It has had a transformative impact on maternal health in disaster-affected districts and demonstrates the power of South-South cooperation.
“I would like to reaffirm UNFPA’s commitment to working with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Government of China towards zero preventable maternal deaths. With continued support from the Government of China, UNFPA is well-positioned to expand and scale up interventions, and strengthen our partnership to improve women and girls health outcomes,” she said.
The government and China also, reiterated their commitment for further collaboration, with the closure of the project viewed not as an end, but a foundation for scaling up interventions and expanding health services to reach more women and girls across Zimbabwe.
The initiative focused on improving access to quality maternal healthcare, particularly during emergencies, where 60% of preventable maternal deaths often occur.
With health infrastructure severely damaged, the project ensured continuity of maternal care through the provision of medicines, trained health personnel, and improved maternity infrastructure.
