By Elizabeth Sitotombe
ZIMBABWE is struggling with high rates of deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, a tragedy that emphasises the urgent need for improved healthcare access to pregnant women across the country.
As Zimbabwe commemorates Women’s Month, it is crucial to interrogate some of the challenges faced by pregnant women in the country.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini recently told Parliament that nearly 300 infants and 54 women died due to complications during childbirth in January 2025.
Harare recorded the highest number of neonatal deaths, with 111 cases, alongside 19 maternal deaths.
According to Deputy Minister Kwidini, the maternal deaths were primarily caused by surgical complications and underlying health conditions, such as HIV and diabetic mellitus.
The leading cause of death was hypertensive disorders and its complications, including renal failure. The other was post-partum haemorrhaging, post-normal delivery, post-Caesarean section and also post-abortion. For babies, respiratory complications were the leading cause.
Every year, thousands of women in Zimbabwe die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 462 deaths per 100 000 live births, one of the highest in the region. For every woman who dies, an estimated 20 to 30 more suffer from severe injuries, infections or disabilities such as obstetric fistula, a condition that leaves women incontinent and often ostracised in their communities.
Child mortality rates are equally alarming. Neo-natal deaths, which occur within the first 28 days of life, account for a significant portion of infant mortality in Zimbabwe and are caused by complications such as pre-term birth and infections.
Sometimes, new-born babies experience birth asphyxia, a condition where the baby is deprived of oxygen during delivery. But some hospitals in Zimbabwe lack equipment that allow medical staff to provide lifesaving care to babies struggling to breathe, especially in the rural areas. The loss of nearly 300 babies within a month is a crisis that demands urgent attention.
But many of these deaths are preventable.
Natasha, a 24-year-old woman from one rural village died during childbirth due to severe bleeding, a condition that could have been managed with timely medical intervention. Her baby, a girl named Tadiwa, survived but was left in the care of her elderly grandmother who struggles to provide for her.
Marah (30) died due to complications arising from high blood pressure, she was not getting prenatal care. She could not afford it. She left behind two children.
Then there is Tanatswa, a 16-year-old girl who became pregnant after being forced into marriage. She developed obstetric fistula during prolonged labour and was abandoned by her husband. Now, she lives in isolation, unable to control her bodily functions and too ashamed to seek help.
Michelle (22) died while giving birth because the hospital did not have blood for transfusion.
There is nothing unusual about these stories. They are happening all too often in our country.
Many pregnant women often cannot afford pre-natal care. By the time they give birth, it is sometimes too late to address life-threatening complications.
In rural areas, where the majority of Zimbabwe’s population lives, access to healthcare facilities is severely limited. Many women travel long distances to reach the nearest clinic, often on foot or by unreliable transportation.
“We are indeed having challenges in rural areas. We have poor road networks where our people should access medical attention quickly, especially pregnant women,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
“We are retraining, as most of our trained midwives have migrated to greener pastures, which gives us a burden as a ministry.”
Zimbabwe is facing a critical shortage of trained midwives, doctors and nurses. This shortage is exacerbated by the country’s economic challenges, which have led to a brain drain of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Without skilled attendants during childbirth, the risk of complications and death increases significantly.
Climate change has worsened food insecurity in Zimbabwe, with drought and erratic weather conditions leading to some being unable to afford nutritious food that pregnant women require. Malnutrition among pregnant women weakens their immune systems and increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Children born to malnourished mothers are also more vulnerable to infections and developmental issues.
Early marriages and teenage pregnancies are common, particularly in rural areas, where girls as young as 14 are forced into early marriages. These young mothers are at a higher risk of complications due to their underdeveloped bodies.
Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope.
Local and international organisations are working tirelessly to improve maternal and child health in Zimbabwe.
Initiatives, such as the training of community health workers, the distribution of maternal health kits and the establishment of mobile clinics are making a difference in remote areas.
The Government is also implementing policies to reduce maternal and child mortality. These include providing free maternal healthcare services, promoting family planning and increasing access to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant women living with HIV.
Mobile small scanning machines to scan pregnant women have been introduced.
However, much more needs to be done. More sustainable solutions are needed.
The high rates of maternal and child mortality in Zimbabwe are testimony to the need for proaction. No woman should die giving life, and no child should perish before a chance to bloom.
Addressing this crisis requires that the Government, through the Ministry of Health, invest more in healthcare infrastructure, and empowering women through education and economic opportunities. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of pre-natal care and safe delivery practices can help reduce preventable deaths.
During this month of celebrating women, let us not forget the women and babies who passed on in January. Every mother and child should have a chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. We can create a future where no woman or child is left behind.
The time to act is now!
