Harare, Mar 6 (EFE).- At least 300 newborns and 54 mothers have died since January due to childbirth complications, a crisis fueled by severe shortages in Zimbabwe’s public hospitals, authorities said on Thursday.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora said that in the capital, Harare, alone, 111 neonatal deaths and 19 maternal deaths had been recorded.
The healthcare has been facing a lack of essential medical equipment, shortages of experienced professionals, and an inadequate supply of life-saving medications.
“The absence of modern medical equipment, compounded by the exodus of skilled personnel and critical drug shortages, is crippling our healthcare system and leading to avoidable deaths,” Mombeshora told EFE.
He explained that maternal deaths were also caused by surgical complications and pre-existing health conditions.
“Hypertensive disorders, including renal failure, postpartum hemorrhage, and complications from abortions, normal deliveries, and cesarean sections, were among the leading causes. Some of the deceased had underlying conditions such as HIV and diabetes,” the minister said.
For the 300 neonatal deaths, the primary cause was respiratory distress.
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has been in declining steadily, with authorities facing mounting criticism over its neglect. The crisis has worsened as experienced doctors and nurses leave for better-paying jobs in Europe.
Last month, Zimbabwe’s government condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that the move could jeopardize vital health programs, particularly those ing HIV/AIDS treatment.
Mombeshora told EFE that the US withdrawal from the WHO would likely have a severe impact on Zimbabwe’s already fragile healthcare sector, which heavily relies on international donors. EFE
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