MUREWA - The Japanese Government along with the UNICEF on Wednesday handed about $2 million worth of maternal equipment at Murewa General Hospital to the Inclusive Government of Zimbabwe that will go a long way in improving the quality of health delivery in the country.
The donations will also go towards refurbishing all 62 district hospitals which now depend on old dilapidated infrastructure. The sate of the countrys health infrastructure has taken its toll on ordinary persons especially women and children. 100 children under the age of five die daily mostly from preventable illnesses. Eight women die everyday in the process of giving birth. Speaking during the handover UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Peter Salama said that the loss of a mother while giving birth is a loss to the community.
The loss of a mother due to pregnancy is a tragedy for the family and the community as a whole. This generous donation by Japan is a very vital boost to efforts to reduce high maternal and new born deaths. The Janese Government has taken the lead in response to the appeal by the Inclusive Government which two weeks ago launched the Health Sector Investment Case that seeks to raise $700 million dollars over the next three years in order to reduce the health delivery system that has been affected by years of economic meltdown. There are fears that the country may fail to meet the 2015 Millennium Development Goals if it does not raise the amount.
Minister of Health and Child Welfare Henry Madzorera said that the donation by the Japanese Government was timely and will help in improving health delivery for pregnant women and children. The support by the government of Japan marks the first response and contribution we have received since the launch of the investment case. We greatly appreciate such support. Equipment that the Japanese government has donated includes, midwifery and obstetric kits, delivery beds, resuscitation equipment, fetal heart monitoring equipment, Blood Pressure Machines, examination lights, section machines, wheel chairs and stretchers.
At least 15 Midwifery schools will receive computers, LCD projectors, Printers, audio visual equipment, television sets, DVDs and midwifery text books. 40 maternity Homes will receive furniture that includes beds, mattresses, bedside cabinets and Dover stoves and bed linen. Our government is committed to improving the quality of life Zimbabwes women and children. We are aware of the challenges facing the health sector and we will continue to support the government of Zimbabwe in whatever way we can
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