Higherlife Foundation injects US$240,000 to boost ...

Higherlife Foundation injects US$240,000 to boost maternal and neonatal care

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

Three major Zimbabwean hospitals Sally Mugabe Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and Mpilo Central Hospital – have received a collective US$240,000 worth of vital equipment to bolster maternal and neonatal services.

This generous donation from Higherlife Foundation underscores their commitment to improving healthcare for mothers and newborns in the country.

The selection of these hospitals was strategic, prioritizing their high patient volume due to their referral status, specialist staff expertise, and established infrastructure.

"This equipment will significantly enhance the quality of care provided to mothers and their newborns during critical moments," said Higherlife Foundation Country Director, Philani Nyatsanza.

The donated equipment list includes continuous positive airway pressure machines, suction machines, monitors, jaundice meters, and phototherapy machines. These tools directly address the leading causes of newborn mortality within the first week of life, such as preterm birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis.

Nyatsanza further highlighted the alarming statistic that 86% of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe stem from delays in receiving adequate healthcare upon reaching medical facilities. Postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and sepsis are among the leading causes of such fatalities.

Higherlife Foundation's dedication to partnering with the Zimbabwean government is commendable. Their contribution serves as a crucial step towards achieving better maternal and neonatal health outcomes nationwide.

The country has demonstrably made strides in this domain. The 2022 census indicates a decline in the maternal mortality ratio to an estimated 362 per 100,000 live births. Similarly, under-five mortality has shown a downward trend, currently sitting at 39.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. These figures represent positive progress since 2019.