The upgrading of maternal and neonatal facilities at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s efforts to reduce newborn deaths and improve maternal healthcare.
The development follows the handover last Friday of a renovated neonatal unit, a refurbished kitchen and a newly constructed maternity admissions waiting shed at the country’s busiest maternity hospital.
The project was 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, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora, who was represented by his deputy Sleiman Kwidini, said the facilities were more than just physical structures.
“These strategic infrastructure investments are more than just bricks and mortar. They are vital injections into our public health system,” he said.
He said the upgraded facilities would enhance maternal and neonatal care while improving patient comfort, dignity and safety.
The intervention comes as Zimbabwe battles to bring down neonatal deaths. While the country has reduced its maternal mortality ratio from 651 to 137 deaths per 100,000 live births, the neonatal mortality rate remains high at 37 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“Sally Mugabe Central Hospital recorded more than 22,650 deliveries and cared for about 3,000 critically ill newborns last year alone,” Mombeshora said. “The first 28 days of life are the most critical period in a child’s survival.”
He said although remarkable progress had been made in reducing maternal mortality, neonatal deaths remained a major public health concern, underscoring the need for continued investment in newborn care.
Turkish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Berna Versteden said the project demonstrated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting maternal and child healthcare 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.
She 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 covered 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.
More: The Herald
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