By Brenna Matendere
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing neonatal mortality to fewer than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030, in line with the country’s National Development Strategy 2.
Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition Conference, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the country must urgently improve the quality of care around childbirth and the immediate postnatal period.
According to the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey, the neonatal mortality rate stands at 31 deaths per 1,000 live births, while recent data indicates it has risen to 37 per 1,000 live births.
“This is a clear signal that the quality of care around childbirth and the immediate postnatal period must improve,” said Mombeshora.
He said Zimbabwe aims to reduce maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality to fewer than 12 per 1,000 by 2030.
The minister urged stakeholders to focus on solutions rather than blame.
“We must move beyond assigning blame and commit to learning, adapting and doing better together,” he said.
Mombeshora highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health, including free access to blood for pregnant women in public health institutions, expanded family planning programmes and the Human Resources for Health Compact to strengthen staffing in health facilities.
He also cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Programme, including renovations at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, as part of broader efforts to improve maternal and newborn care.
However, the minister acknowledged persistent gaps in essential supplies and equipment, including medicines such as oxytocin, magnesium sulphate and antibiotics, as well as oxygen systems, neonatal care equipment and reliable referral systems.
He stressed the need to strengthen quality care around childbirth, expand kangaroo mother care, improve perinatal death surveillance, and ensure reliable supply chains and functional equipment in health facilities.
Mombeshora also emphasised the importance of strengthening referral and emergency systems, including improving ambulance availability and communication between health facilities.
The minister called for stronger primary health care and community partnerships, improved antenatal care and greater focus on adolescent health and family planning to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund commended Zimbabwe for progress made in improving reproductive health indicators.
UNFPA representative Miranda Tabifor said maternal mortality had declined from 651 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 212 in 2024, while skilled birth attendance increased from 82% to 85%.
“These are not just numbers; they are lives saved and families kept whole,” she said, adding that continued investment in health systems and reproductive services remains critical to sustaining the gains.
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