Hopeful Futures Begin with Safe Births, Says Healt...

Hopeful Futures Begin with Safe Births, Says Health Ministry

Rutendo Mazhindu- ZimNow Reporter

Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Health Day, turning the spotlight on the urgent need to save the lives of mothers and newborns.

This year’s theme, “Happy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” is a global call to make healthcare safer and more inclusive — especially for women and children. The Ministry of Health and Child Care said the day serves as a reminder that more action is needed to prevent deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.

Globally, there’s been significant progress since 2000: maternal deaths have dropped by 40%, and newborn deaths by 30%. Still, the risks remain stark. According to the World Health Organisation, a woman dies every two minutes due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth.

In Zimbabwe, maternal health indicators are improving. The country’s Maternal Mortality Ratio fell from 614 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2014 to 363 deaths per 100,000 in 2022, according to the latest national census report.

While the Ministry welcomed the progress, officials stressed that it is not enough. Zimbabwe aims to reduce the MMR further to 240 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2025.

“We are encouraged by the progress, but we must move faster,” said a Ministry of Health spokesperson. “Every mother deserves to give birth safely, and every baby deserves a healthy start to life.”

Efforts are ongoing to strengthen health services — particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas — where access to quality maternal care is still a challenge.

“World Health Day is not just a celebration; it is a moment to act,” the Ministry said. “We must invest more in maternal and child health, strengthen our hospitals and clinics, and make sure no woman dies giving life.”

Across the country, health workers, government officials, and communities came together to raise awareness and push for more support to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

“A healthy beginning means a better future,” added the Ministry. “We all have a role to play.”