Higherlife Foundation donates $240,000 in maternity equipment to three major hospitals

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – Higherlife Foundation has donated essential maternity and neonatal equipment worth $240,000 to three major hospitals in Zimbabwe: Sally Mugabe Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and Mpilo Central Hospital. 

These hospitals were selected due to their high birth rates, specialist staff, and supporting infrastructure.

The donated equipment includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, suction machines, monitors, jaundice meters, and phototherapy machines. 

This contribution aims to enhance the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns during critical periods.

Newborn mortality is highest during the first week of life, often due to preterm birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal sepsis. 

For mothers in Zimbabwe, 86% of maternal deaths occur after reaching a health facility, commonly due to postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, and sepsis.

Higherlife Foundation Country Director Mr. Philani Nyatsanza reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. 

“Since 2020, Higherlife Foundation has intensified our focus on maternal health by training medical staff, funding, and maintaining equipment. This donation continues our efforts,” Mr. Nyatsanza said.

Zimbabwe has noted some improvements in maternal and neonatal services. 

According to the 2022 census, the maternal mortality ratio stands at 362 per 100,000 live births, and under-five mortality is at 39.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. 

These figures have been declining since 2019.

However, to meet the Sustainable Development Goals for maternal and neonatal mortality—70 per 100,000 live births and 12 per 1,000 live births, respectively—more work is required. 

Since 2020, Higherlife Foundation has funded emergency obstetric training for nearly 4,600 clinical and non-clinical maternity staff across 16 hospitals, with an additional 1,500 staff set to be trained this year. 

The organization also supplies and maintains equipment in maternity wards in these hospitals.