UNICEF has commended Zimbabwe for recording a decline in maternal mortality and child deaths from 2019 to 2022.
In a statement, during the Launch of the National Health Strategy (NHS 2021 – 2025) in Harare today (Monday), UNICEF Zimbabwe representative and Fund Administrator for the Health Resilient Fund Dr Tajudeen Oyewale applauded the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners for achieving a decrease in maternal deaths during the period under review.
“I am pleased to join this important event to celebrate the landmark achievements in Zimbabwe with regard to the health sector programme, partnership, and strategy.
“Zimbabwe, like other countries, is committed to achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially as it relates to women and children, especially as the country has recorded a reduction in maternal and under-5 children’s deaths.
“According to the Multi-Cluster Indicator Survey (MICS) and the latest population census led by ZIMSTAT, maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 462 to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2019 and 2022; and under-five mortality has also declined from 65 to 39.8 deaths per 1,000 live births during the same period,” said Dr Tajudeen.
Unfortunately, the country did not manage to reduce the death rate of newborn babies during the period under review.
“Less progress has, however, been achieved in the reduction of new-born deaths which remained at 31 deaths per 1,000 live births since 2019,” said Dr Tajudeen.
In addition, the government also received thumbs up for managing to keep the Covid-19 pandemic under control with the assistance of several stakeholders in the health sector.
“Allow me to also commend the Government for bringing the Covid-19 pandemic under control through a multi-sectoral response and partnership that saw over 2 million eligible population vaccinated and an early return to normalcy, compared to other countries in the region.
“These results are a combination of several efforts led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care with support from donors and partners.”
