Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
ABANDONED babies receiving care at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital have received a lifeline after the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Chikanga donated essential supplies to improve their comfort and wellbeing.
The donation includes disposable nappies, baby blankets, tracksuits, baby towels, bathing towels, baby wipes, wool hats, baby clothing, children’s socks, petroleum jelly, bathing soap and yoghurts.
It was specifically targeted at abandoned babies remaining under the hospital’s care.
The gesture comes as hospitals continue to rely on partnerships with churches, corporates and other stakeholders to complement the Government efforts in providing quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable patients who require support beyond medical treatment.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, administrator, Mrs Rachel Mufaro Mhoshiwa, described it as a touching demonstration of love and compassion towards some of society’s most vulnerable children.
She said while the babies may have been abandoned by their families, support from the church showed that they were not forgotten.
“Your kindness is a big reminder that compassion is expressed through action. These babies may have been abandoned, but today you have shown them that they are valued and loved by the community.
“The items you have donated will help us provide better care, comfort and dignity to these children during their stay in hospital. Every blanket, every nappy and every piece of clothing makes a difference in improving their quality of life,” said Mrs Mhoshiwa, adding that the gesture will ease pressure on hospital resources and ensure the babies remain warm, clean and comfortable throughout winter.
“Looking after abandoned babies requires collective responsibility. As healthcare workers, we provide medical care, but partnerships with churches and other organisations allow us to meet many of the children’s everyday needs. We sincerely appreciate this support because it strengthens the quality of care we provide,” said Mrs Mhoshiwa, adding that the Government continues to prioritise improving healthcare services across the country, with stakeholders playing a complementary role through donations.
“These partnerships demonstrate that healthcare is everyone’s responsibility. When communities, churches and the private sector work together with Government, patients receive more holistic care that addresses both their medical and emotional needs,” she said.
Speaking after handing over the donation, SDA Chikanga district women ministries leader, Mrs Loice Saika said the church was moved by the plight of the abandoned babies and felt compelled to respond as mothers who understood the importance of care, warmth and love during infancy.
“When we heard that there were babies here without parents or relatives to visit them, our hearts were deeply touched. We could not remain comfortable knowing there were little ones who had no one bringing them basic necessities. As mothers, we felt a responsibility to stand in that gap. We wanted these babies to know that although they may have been abandoned, they are not alone. There are people who genuinely care about them and are praying for them,” she said.
Mrs Saika said the church’s outreach programmes are driven by a commitment to serve vulnerable members of society.
“Our ministry goes beyond the walls of the church. We regularly visit hospitals, prisons and rehabilitation centres because these are places where people often need encouragement, companionship and practical support the most. Sometimes we meet people who simply need someone to remind them that they still matter. Whether it is an inmate, a patient or an abandoned child, we believe everyone deserves compassion and dignity,” she said, adding that the donation would not be a once-off event.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s children ward received another boost after the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) donated 20 blankets to improve comfort for children admitted during the cold winter season. Hospital authorities said the donation came at an appropriate time as low temperatures increase the need to keep young patients warm during recovery.
Mrs Mhoshiwa said the blankets will contribute significantly to a more comfortable healing environment.
“We are grateful to the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for this generous donation. These blankets are far more than bedding, they represent compassion, hope and care for children who are already battling illness. Cold weather can worsen discomfort for sick children, especially infants and those admitted for prolonged periods. By helping us keep them warm, these blankets contribute to an environment that supports healing and recovery,” she said, adding that maintaining warmth is vital in caring for paediatric patients, particularly in winter when young children are more susceptible to cold-related complications.
