Zimbabwe’s Alarming Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Rates Demand Urgent Action
By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – Amnesty International Zimbabwe has expressed deep concern over the recent disclosure of 299 neonatal deaths and 54 maternal deaths recorded in January 2025 alone.
The figures, which health professionals say highlight significant challenges within the nation’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.
Recent data indicates that Zimbabwe’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 363 deaths per 100,000 live births, reflecting a slight decrease from previous years.
Neonatal mortality rate has remained static at 31 deaths per 1,000 live births, reflecting persistent challenges in newborn care.
Research in Zimbabwe shows that the leading causes of maternal mortality in Zimbabwe include severe bleeding (32%), high blood pressure during pregnancy (19%), infections (11%) and complications arising from delivery and unsafe abortions (10%).
Collectively, these factors account for approximately 72% of all maternal deaths.
In neonatal mortality, the main contributors are prematurity (34.5%), birth asphyxia (28.5%) and sepsis (14%).
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system faces several critical challenges impacting maternal and neonatal health which include, but not limited to, infrastructure challenges, staff shortages and limited resources
Many healthcare facilities lack essential equipment and adequate infrastructure to provide quality maternal and neonatal care.
Staffing shortages is as a result of loss of professional staff and inadequate numbers of skilled healthcare workers, straining service delivery.
There is also a consistent shortage of essential medicines and supplies necessary for maternal and neonatal care.
In November 2024, the Zimbabwe’s High Court ruled against a law prohibiting abortion services for women raped by their husbands and girls under 18, deeming it unconstitutional.
This decision has a significant impact in the country where restrictive abortion laws have often led to unsafe procedures, contributing to maternal mortality.
Amnesty International, in a statement, said government’s inability to provide adequate maternal healthcare violates women and girls’ rights.
“Amnesty International acknowledges authorities’ response to existing maternal healthcare challenges, as expressed by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon Dr Kwidini during the National Assembly’s question and answer session on 26 February 2025.
“However, authorities’ failure to provide adequate maternal healthcare is a clear violation of women’s and girls’ rights to life, health, and dignity,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation called for an increase in funding to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensure the availability of medical supplies as well as recruit and retain qualified healthcare personnel.
All women and newborns have access to timely, affordable, and quality medical care, regardless of their location, Amnesty International said.
The organisation also called for the development and enforcement of policies that address the root causes of maternal and neonatal mortality, including tackling unsafe abortion practices and improving prenatal and postnatal care services.
