Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality over the past decade, government officials and development partners highlighted at the country’s first-ever Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Conference in Harare.
The landmark conference, attended by policymakers, health experts, and international partners, is intended not only to review progress but also to shape strategies for improving maternal and newborn care in the country.
Running under the theme, “Ending Preventable Maternal and Perinatal Mortality: Lessons Learned and Future Directions,” the conference comes amid notable improvements in maternal health while addressing ongoing challenges in infant survival.
Officially opening the event, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, emphasised that maternal and neonatal mortality are key indicators of a nation’s health system performance.
“A nation’s progress is measured not only by the growth of its GDP, but by the health and well-being of its people, especially mothers and newborns. Maternal and neonatal mortality are among the most sensitive indicators of how well our health system functions, how equitably services reach every community, and how seriously we value the right to health for all as enshrined in our Constitution.
“Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has made important gains. Maternal mortality has declined from 652 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births in 2015 to 212 per 100 000 in 2024. This is notable progress and a testament to the dedication of our government, health workers, communities, and partners.
“As we pursue Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income society, we must ensure that our social development keeps pace with our economic ambitions. Ending preventable maternal and perinatal mortality is not only a health priority; it is a national imperative. The time to act is now. This is a clarion call for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” the Minister said.
International partners also applauded Zimbabwe’s progress.
“Allow me to commend the Government of Zimbabwe for the remarkable achievements and sustained efforts in the improvement in the reproductive health indicators: A reduction of maternal mortality ratio from 651/100 000 in 2015 to 212/100 000 live births in 2024 (ZDHS 2024), Increase in Skilled birth attendance from 82% in 2015 to 85% (ZDHS 2023/24), Increase in Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (MCPR) from 66% in 2015 to 69% (ZDHS 2023/24),
Reduction in unmet need for family planning from 10% in 2015to 9% 2023/24 (ZDHS 2023/24). These are not just numbers; they are lives saved and families kept whole. These gains reflect the dedication of our healthcare workers and the resilience of our community and health systems.
“As we celebrate the achievements made in strengthening the health system, training midwives, and improving access to life-saving reproductive health supplies, which have directly contributed to reducing maternal deaths, we must remain vigilant,” World Health Organisation(WHO) country representative, Dr Desta Tiruneh said.
“The WHO reiterates its commitment to supporting the public, together with our partners, to ensure every policy, guideline, and program is in place. And aligned to global best practices. Strengthen and empower frontline health workers and communities.
“Third, accelerate maternal and newborn survival through high-impact quality of care interventions, including those that strengthen adults and family services. The theme for this conference, Ending Pregnancy and Pregnancy Mortality, Lessons Learned and Future Directions, is timely and visionary. It challenges us to reflect, but more importantly, to act,” UNFPA country Representative in Zimbabwe, Ms Miranda Tabifor weighed in.
As deliberations continue over the next two days, experts are expected to present research findings and policy recommendations aimed at accelerating progress towards the 2030 targets.
For Zimbabwe, this conference represents more than dialogue, it is a call for coordinated action to ensure that every pregnancy is safe and every newborn has a healthy start to life.
