Source: Upgraded Sally Mugabe neonatal unit boost for newborns’ survival – herald
Sekai Manyere
THE upgrading of maternal and neonatal facilities at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital is expected to strengthen the country’s efforts to reduce newborn deaths and improve the quality of maternal healthcare, Government has said.
The development follows the handover of a renovated neonatal unit, a refurbished kitchen, and a newly constructed maternity admissions waiting shed, all funded by the Turkish government through the Turkish International Cooperation Agency (TICA), in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Zakat Fund (ZIMNZAF) and the Johane Masowe Echishanu.
Speaking at the handover ceremony last Friday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who was represented by Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini, described the project as a significant investment in the country’s public health delivery system.
“These strategic infrastructure investments are more than just bricks and mortar. They are vital injections into our public health system,” he said.
Minister Mombeshora stated that the upgraded facilities would enhance maternal and neonatal care while improving patient comfort, dignity and safety.
He noted that although the country had made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality, neonatal deaths remained a major public health concern, underscoring the need for continued investment in newborn care services.
“Sally Mugabe Central Hospital recorded more than 22 650 deliveries and cared for about 3 000 critically ill new-borns last year alone,” he said.
“The first 28 days of life are the most critical period in a child’s survival.”
Zimbabwe has reduced its maternal mortality ratio from 651 to 137 deaths per 100 000 live births.
However, the neonatal mortality rate remains high at 37 deaths per 1 000 live births.
Minister Mombeshora said the improvements were aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which prioritise investment in healthcare infrastructure and improved access to quality health services.
He urged hospital management to institute routine maintenance programmes to preserve the facilities and maximise their lifespan.
“I urge the hospital leadership to implement routine preventive maintenance programmes so that these facilities continue serving future generations,” he said.
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Berna Versteden said the project demonstrated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting maternal and child healthcare services in Zimbabwe.
“This project contributes directly to the well-being of mothers and their babies. It is a humble, yet tangible contribution to improve healthcare service delivery at the busiest maternity unit in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Ms Versteden said the Turkish Embassy had also expanded scholarship opportunities in medicine for Zimbabwean undergraduate and postgraduate students as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Zimbabwe National Zakat Fund national director Sheikh Henry Balakazi said the first phase of the project included the renovation of four neonatal wards, the hospital kitchen, and a waiting area for mothers and visitors.
He said the interventions were designed to improve the hospital environment and reduce infections associated with ageing and deteriorating infrastructure.
According to Sheikh Balakazi, TICA provided US$20 768 for construction materials, while Johane Masowe Echishanu contributed more than US$6 000 towards labour costs.
The renovations included plumbing and electrical repairs, carpentry work, painting, retiling, refurbishment of hospital beds, and the provision of 41 new mattresses.
Mr Balakazi said the project was implemented under a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to support national health priorities and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
“To us Muslims, doing works that benefit the general public is a duty as well as an act of worship for which we get blessings from the Almighty God,” he said.
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