Zimbabwe Healthcare Crisis: Zimbabweans are facing the devastating consequences of a failing healthcare system, with nearly 299 newborns and 54 mothers dying in January 2025 alone due to childbirth-related complications. The country’s deteriorating health infrastructure, lack of medical resources, and mass migration of healthcare workers have all contributed to this alarming crisis.
Harare Records Highest Maternal and Infant Deaths
Deputy Minister of Health and Childcare, Sleiman Kwidini, revealed these distressing statistics while addressing Parliament. Harare Province recorded the highest number of neonatal deaths at 111, alongside 19 maternal deaths.
“The leading cause of maternal deaths was complications arising from hypertension, renal failure, postpartum hemorrhage, and pre-existing conditions such as HIV and diabetes,” Kwidini stated. Other fatal complications included dilated cardiomyopathy and surgical complications from C-sections and abortions.
For newborns, respiratory distress syndrome was cited as the primary cause of death, with other factors such as birth asphyxia and lack of timely medical interventions also playing a role.
Root Causes: A Healthcare System in Shambles
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has been under scrutiny for years, with critics blaming the government for failing to allocate adequate resources to the sector. Despite the dire situation in hospitals and rural clinics, authorities continue to prioritize luxury perks for top government officials, further frustrating citizens.
Lack of Funding and Medical Equipment
The country’s hospitals lack basic medical supplies, including essential drugs, incubators, and modern delivery equipment. This shortage has worsened the maternal and infant mortality rate, particularly in rural areas, where healthcare facilities are scarce and underfunded.
Mass Exodus of Healthcare Workers
The mass migration of doctors and nurses to Europe and other regions in search of better wages has left Zimbabwe struggling to maintain its healthcare workforce. Many trained midwives have left the country, leading to a significant skills gap in maternity care.
Rural Communities Face the Biggest Struggles
Deputy Minister Kwidini admitted that rural communities suffer the most due to poor healthcare infrastructure and a lack of skilled professionals.
“It is evident that rural areas are severely affected, particularly due to poor road networks and limited access to urgent medical care,” Kwidini noted. The long distances to health centers make it difficult for pregnant women to receive timely medical attention, increasing the risk of fatal complications.
Government’s Response: Is It Enough?
To combat the crisis, the Ministry of Health has introduced several measures aimed at improving maternal and neonatal care. These include:
- Retraining and upgrading healthcare workers – The government has launched a massive retraining program for midwives to fill the gap left by those who have migrated.
- Empowering primary care nurses – Rural nurses are being trained to handle basic midwifery services, ensuring that more women receive professional maternity care.
- Deploying mobile ultrasound machines – The government has started distributing mobile scanning devices to health facilities, allowing pregnant women to access crucial prenatal scans early on.
Despite these efforts, health experts argue that these measures are insufficient without increased funding, improved salaries for healthcare workers, and better infrastructure.
Public Outrage and Calls for Reform
The shocking mortality rates have sparked public outrage, with many calling for urgent government reforms. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have demanded greater transparency in budget allocations and better accountability in healthcare management.
“The government needs to prioritize healthcare over political luxuries. It is unacceptable that hospitals are in crisis while public officials enjoy extravagant benefits,” said a healthcare activist.
Way Forward: Saving Lives Through Sustainable Solutions
To reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, Zimbabwe must implement long-term solutions, including:
- Increased Healthcare Budget – The government must significantly boost health sector funding to improve infrastructure and purchase essential medical equipment.
- Better Retention of Medical Staff – Competitive salaries and incentives should be introduced to prevent the brain drain of skilled healthcare professionals.
- Improved Rural Healthcare Access – More investment in rural clinics and emergency transport services is needed to ensure pregnant women receive timely medical attention.
- Community Awareness Programs – Educating communities on maternal health, prenatal care, and emergency response can help reduce preventable deaths.
