Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
TWELVE health facilities in Manicaland recently received ultrasound scan machines as part of Government’s efforts to fight the high maternal mortality rate in the province.
While the country is celebrating a significant decline in the maternal mortality rate, the province still has the highest Institutional Maternal Mortality Rate (IMMR) in the country, hence the need for the machines.
The ultrasound machines were distributed in rural district clinics across the province.
Funded by development partner, USAID and implemented by FHI360 and Government through the Mhuri/Imuli Project, the move seeks to compliment Government’s efforts of making sure that health services are accessible to everyone.
In an interview with The Manica Post, Chief Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Munyaradzi Dobbie said to date, over 10 000 scans have been conducted using the machines on women who had challenges accessing such services before.
“The machines are fit for purpose. Women in these areas will now receive adequate maternal health services in accordance with Government and the World Health Organisation’s guidelines and standards.
“Government is committed to see its people attain a good level of health and quality of life. This vision is bearing fruit with recent surveys showing an impressive decline in maternal mortality from 916 deaths per 100 000 live births 10 years ago to less than 363 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2022,” said Dr Dobbie.
He said Government has reinforced its resources to reach out to all communities.
“As we celebrate this decline, it is imperative to remember that this success requires investments in health like these to be sustained,” he said.
Dr Dobbie said Government remains committed to being the major funder of all projects and hence the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development will finance at least 65 percent of the health sector’s programmes.
“As far as commodities and equipment is concerned, Government has availed US$42 million to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for the procurement of equipment,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mutare’s District Medical Officer, Dr David Muchirewese said the ultrasound machines have helped significantly in identifying complications in early pregnancies.
“The decentralisation of such services has seen an improved access to ultrasound scan services in our rural districts. In Mutare District, the portable ultrasound scan which was handed over to Marange Hospital is servicing patients around that area and complications are actually being picked earlier than before. We also received support in terms of servicing equipment and training of staff.
“We are grateful for the funding support and we look forward to many more years of working together,” said Dr Muchirewese.
FHI 360’s Chief of Party, Dr Gladwin Muchena said their main objective is to improve the demand of quality access of maternal, newborn and child healthcare services in Manicaland, especially as they target hard to reach communities.
“The country was facing worrying trends of maternal and child morbidity. However, ever since the project was first implemented in 2018, the country has recorded a tremendous progress as it recorded a decline in maternal mortality,” he said.
According to Zimstat’s 2022 report, since 2017, the country has recorded a 30 percent decline in maternal mortality.