Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 168
- 93
Zimbabwe recorded 563 maternal deaths and 6,177 neonatal deaths in 2025, highlighting the continued challenges facing maternal and newborn healthcare despite ongoing efforts to strengthen the country's health system.
The figures were released by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora during the presentation of the 2025 provincial maternal and neonatal statistics on Wednesday. According to the report, the country recorded 410,051 deliveries during the year.
Dr Mombeshora said postpartum haemorrhage, which is severe bleeding after childbirth, remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe. Infections also continue to claim the lives of mothers, while birth asphyxia and neonatal infections are the major causes of newborn deaths.
The minister noted that delays in accessing appropriate healthcare facilities remain a significant factor contributing to maternal and neonatal fatalities.
“Some of them delay getting to the appropriate institution where they can get help. By the time they get there, it will be a bit late to save the mother and the child,” he said.
He stressed the importance of timely access to emergency obstetric care, particularly caesarean sections, in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Harare Metropolitan Province recorded the highest number of deliveries in the country, with 84,756 births. The province also registered 190 maternal deaths and 2,205 neonatal deaths, the highest figures among all provinces.
Manicaland recorded 47,942 deliveries, 53 maternal deaths and 493 neonatal deaths, while Midlands Province registered 46,770 deliveries, 78 maternal deaths and 741 neonatal deaths.
To improve maternal and child health outcomes, Government has expanded investment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment. More than 43 anaesthetic machines have been installed in district hospitals across the country, enabling doctors to perform emergency caesarean sections closer to communities and reducing the need for referrals to major hospitals.
District hospitals have also received neonatal resuscitation equipment aimed at improving the survival chances of babies who experience breathing difficulties immediately after birth.
The Government is also working to address shortages of healthcare workers by expanding training programmes. Registered General Nurse training intakes have been increased, while new nursing schools are being established in Binga, Maphisa and Chimhanda.
In addition, Treasury has approved 5,000 new health sector posts to strengthen staffing levels nationwide. Authorities have also reduced the waiting period before nurses can enrol for midwifery training from two years to one year in a bid to increase the number of skilled midwives.
Health officials say improving access to healthcare facilities, strengthening emergency referral systems and increasing the number of trained healthcare professionals will be critical in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
Source: Ministry of Health and Child Care
The figures were released by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora during the presentation of the 2025 provincial maternal and neonatal statistics on Wednesday. According to the report, the country recorded 410,051 deliveries during the year.
Dr Mombeshora said postpartum haemorrhage, which is severe bleeding after childbirth, remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in Zimbabwe. Infections also continue to claim the lives of mothers, while birth asphyxia and neonatal infections are the major causes of newborn deaths.
The minister noted that delays in accessing appropriate healthcare facilities remain a significant factor contributing to maternal and neonatal fatalities.
“Some of them delay getting to the appropriate institution where they can get help. By the time they get there, it will be a bit late to save the mother and the child,” he said.
He stressed the importance of timely access to emergency obstetric care, particularly caesarean sections, in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
Harare Metropolitan Province recorded the highest number of deliveries in the country, with 84,756 births. The province also registered 190 maternal deaths and 2,205 neonatal deaths, the highest figures among all provinces.
Manicaland recorded 47,942 deliveries, 53 maternal deaths and 493 neonatal deaths, while Midlands Province registered 46,770 deliveries, 78 maternal deaths and 741 neonatal deaths.
To improve maternal and child health outcomes, Government has expanded investment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment. More than 43 anaesthetic machines have been installed in district hospitals across the country, enabling doctors to perform emergency caesarean sections closer to communities and reducing the need for referrals to major hospitals.
District hospitals have also received neonatal resuscitation equipment aimed at improving the survival chances of babies who experience breathing difficulties immediately after birth.
The Government is also working to address shortages of healthcare workers by expanding training programmes. Registered General Nurse training intakes have been increased, while new nursing schools are being established in Binga, Maphisa and Chimhanda.
In addition, Treasury has approved 5,000 new health sector posts to strengthen staffing levels nationwide. Authorities have also reduced the waiting period before nurses can enrol for midwifery training from two years to one year in a bid to increase the number of skilled midwives.
Health officials say improving access to healthcare facilities, strengthening emergency referral systems and increasing the number of trained healthcare professionals will be critical in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
Source: Ministry of Health and Child Care
