Zimpapers Logo

Dr Parirenyatwa

Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
THE Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, yesterday said maternal deaths in the country remain unacceptably high.

He said this during a field tour of two health facilities in Matobo District accompanied by eight European ambassadors.

“Maternal deaths have in the past year increased by one percent which is unacceptably high as we’re looking at sustainable development in the health sector. However, waiting mothers’ homes are assisting in curbing this problem as home births have recorded a high decrease compared to the past years,” he said.

The World Health Organisation defines maternal mortality as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy.

According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality rate stands at 614 deaths per every 100,000 live births.

The United Nations considers a maternal mortality ratio of less than 100 as low, between 100 and 299 as moderately low, and high when it is between 300 to 499.

Minister Parirenyatwa praised the European Union and its partners for helping to fund significant improvements at health facilities.

Matabeleland South Provincial Maternal and Child Health Officer, Rudo Chikodzore, said in 2015, 16 maternal deaths were recorded in the province.

The Minister and the ambassadors also visited Matobo District Hospital and Nathisa clinic.

The EU delegation donated clothing to newborn babies at the health institutions waiting mothers’ homes.

They also donated a primary health kit containing medication to Nathisa clinic.