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Thandeka Moyo Chronicle Reporter
DOCTORS in Matabeleland South have embraced the new media by creating a WhatsApp platform to share medical ideas on how to curb the maternal mortality rate in the province.

The country’s maternal mortality rate remains very high though it has dropped from 960 to 520 per 100, 000 births.

The reduction, however, still falls far short of the Millennium Development Goals which call for the figure to go down to about 240 by next year.

Addressing journalists, Matabeleland South provincial medical director Dr William Busumani said medical practitioners had decided to resort to new media which was very efficient in updating his office of the experiences and the challenges faced when dealing with maternal health.

“We’re grateful for the help by our partners inclusive of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) who have helped in reducing maternal deaths in all our districts.

“We also decided to create a WhatsApp platform where consultants, obstetricians, midwives and district nursing officers engage and discuss their experiences in the different hospitals,” said Dr Busumani.

He said the platform was proving efficient and that there was improvement in health care delivery as doctors used the information from the group to come up with monthly reports.

“Medical practitioners can now ask for medication, advice and tips on how to deal with pregnant women and we’re positive this will help us curb maternal mortality,” he said.

Dr Busumani urged people to work together in ensuring that pregnant women sought professional medical attention during and after pregnancy to avoid maternal deaths.

UNFPA media analyst Steward Muchapera commended Dr Busumani for the idea saying it was impressive to see doctors using social networks to improve maternal health. “It’s good to see that despite challenges faced by the medical fraternity, social networks have been embraced to address maternal health issues in the province.

“We hope that through such interventions and continued support by the Ministry, we will succeed in the fight against maternal mortality,” said Muchapera.