Story by ZBC Reporter
SALLY Mugabe Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital have received US$240 000 worth of vital equipment to improve maternal and neonatal services.
The donation which was made by Higherlife Foundation prioritised the three hospitals based on the high number of deliveries handled.
“These hospitals were prioritised based on the high number of deliveries (new births) they handle due to their referral status, availability of specialist staff and presence of supporting infrastructure.
“The equipment, which includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, suction machines, monitors, jaundice meters, and phototherapy machines, is expected to improve the quality of care given to mothers and newborns during some of their most vulnerable times.
“Most newborn deaths occur during the first week of life, predominantly due to preterm birth, birth asphyxia and neonatal sepsis. For mothers in Zimbabwe, 86% of maternal deaths occur due to a delay in receiving adequate care after reaching a health facility.
“Most maternal deaths are caused by postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, and sepsis, amongst others,” said Higherlife Foundation Country Director Mr Philani Nyatsanza.
Mr Nyatsanza said their organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the country.
Zimbabwe continues to make progress towards improving services to expectant mothers and babies.
According to the 2022 census, the maternal mortality ratio is estimated to be 362 per 100 000 live births and under-five mortality sits at 39.8 deaths per 1 000 live births.
Both figures have been falling since 2019.
The improvement of maternal health services should be a shared responsibility between Government, private sector and non-profit organisations.
