Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
VICTORIA Chitepo Provincial Hospital recorded another batch of 30 deliveries during the second and last part of the festive season, bringing the total number of babies born at provincial referral hospital to 60, authorities have confirmed.
The latest figures, cover the period spanning the tail-end of the Christmas holidays-December 28 to January 3, 2026.
The hospital’s public relations focal person, Mrs Nyaradzo Nyandiya, said the maternity ward remained busy throughout the period, with births recorded daily as expectant mothers continued to access care during the festive break.
“Between December 28 and January 3, we recorded a total of 30 births at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. These deliveries occurred during a time when many services slow down, but childbirth is continuous, and our teams were on duty throughout,” said Mrs Nyandiya, adding that the gender distribution showed a slightly higher number of male babies.
“Of the 30 babies born during this period, 13 were girls, while 17 were boys,” she said.
December 31 recorded six deliveries, while January 1 saw four babies being born, marking the New Year with new life at the province’s main referral hospital.
Mrs Nyandiya said the hospital also recorded a wide range of birth weights, reflecting the varying conditions under which the babies were delivered.
“The heaviest baby weighed 4,130 grammes, while the smallest weighed 910 grammes,” she said, noting that low birth weight babies often require closer monitoring and specialised care.
She said 19 of the new-borns were referred to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) for further observation and management.
“These referrals are a precautionary and lifesaving measure. The SCBU is equipped to manage premature babies, those with low birth weight, or babies who may require additional support after delivery,” said Mrs Nyandiya.
Despite the successful deliveries, the hospital also recorded adverse outcomes during the period, highlighting the persistent challenges faced in maternal and neonatal health.
“We also recorded two macerated stillbirths and one fresh stillbirth,” she said.
Macerated stillbirths occur when a foetus dies in the womb some time before labour begins, while a fresh stillbirth refers to a baby who dies shortly before or during labour.
Health experts say such outcomes are often linked to underlying medical conditions, delayed presentation at health facilities, or complications during pregnancy.
Mrs Nyandiya said the hospital follows established clinical protocols in managing such cases and provides counselling and support to affected families.
She said 2026 begins, the hospital remains committed to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the province, building on lessons learned during the busy festive period.
The latest figures add to the 30 deliveries recorded between December 21 and 27 – the Christmas holiday week.
Combined, the two reporting periods bring the total number of festive season babies delivered at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital to 60.
During the Christmas week, the hospital recorded an equal number of normal deliveries and caesarean sections, with maternity services operating at full capacity throughout the holidays.
Speaking in a previous interview last week, the hospital’s matron, Sister Sheila Chimbetete, confirmed the steady maternity activity at the provincial referral health institution during the first part of the festive period- the Christmas week.
She said the births were evenly split between normal deliveries and caesarean sections – with 15 cases recorded in each category.
“From December 21 to 27, we recorded a total of 30 deliveries. Fifteen were normal deliveries and the remainder were caesarean sections, which shows a fairly balanced outcome for the period,” said Sister Chimbetete.
Eight girls and seven boys were delivered through normal births, while six girls and nine boys were delivered via caesarean section.
Sister Chimbetete said the figures were consistent with what the hospital typically records during busy holiday periods, when expectant mothers continue to seek maternity services despite travel and festive activities.
“Childbirth does not take a holiday. Our maternity ward remained operational throughout the festive season, with staff on duty to ensure safe deliveries,” she said.
ENDS
