Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Gokwe, Health and Gender Editor
IN the small village of Katema in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province, some women are trading two to three goats to access home deliveries from elderly women, popularly known as Mbuya Nyamukuta, while the local clinic records only one or no deliveries at all.
This alarming practice not only puts mothers and new-borns at risk but also fuels the spread of HIV and contributes to maternal mortality.
A visit to Katema Clinic, located 120km from Gokwe Centre, revealed a grim situation. The facility remains underutilised, with deliveries often recorded months after they occur. The reasons why women shun the clinic, built less than four years ago, remain largely unclear, a mystery. However, it is believed religious beliefs play a role.
Ma church avanopinda(It is the churches that they go to), one woman blurted during a meeting on HIV, suggesting some faith-based prohibitions against medical interventions, including childbirth. Such practices are common among certain apostolic sects that prefer home deliveries over institutional care.
Ms Farisai Mlambo, sister in charge at Katema Clinic, shared her frustrations over the non-compliance of expectant mothers.
“The people who should deliver here do not come at all. They give birth at home. Those who do come are often first-time pregnancies or women with multiple prior deliveries, who actually need hospital-level care,” she said.
“I may deliver one baby a month, sometimes even after two months, while about 10 or more babies are delivered at home monthly.”
Unskilled birth attendants have reportedly resisted health education efforts, citing their “earnings” from home deliveries.
“I was conducting health education in the village, and one village midwife said I was disturbing their hustle. They told me to stop telling women not to give birth at home because they were benefitting from it,” Sr Mlambo said.
“But the cost of one goat could cover safe transport to a clinic and provide supplies for the newborn. Yet women still choose home deliveries.”
Health officials also raised concerns over potential HIV transmission to newborns due to unsterilised equipment, contaminated towels and lack of gloves and clean water.
Maternal deaths linked to home deliveries have been recorded in the district. Sr Mlambo cited a case where a woman resisted referral to Gokwe District Hospital despite multiple prior pregnancies and subsequently died.
“Some women lie about the number of children they have, wanting to deliver at a rural clinic, which is dangerous,” she said.
Engagement with traditional leaders has been identified as a possible solution to improve awareness and compliance.
“We encourage traditional leaders to discuss this matter with their communities. We do not advocate for home deliveries,” Sr Mlambo said.
She also noted low male participation in antenatal care, stressing the importance of HIV testing for both partners.
“My register may have 15 pregnant women per month, but often only the women attend, claiming their husbands are out of the country,” she said.
Health Education Officer Mr Tendayi Mhloro, urged villagers to use local clinics and hospitals.
“At Gokwe District Hospital, we have a waiting mothers’ shelter where women can stay as they prepare to deliver for free. Katema village is far, but we want women to utilise the clinic near them,” he said.
“We also advise village health workers and leaders to report all pregnancies so we can ensure proper care.”
Mr Mhloro stressed that antenatal care is crucial for health advice during and after pregnancy, particularly for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.
“Women must not die from pregnancy-related complications, nor should they transmit HIV to their babies,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s PMTCT rate currently stands at eight percent, reflecting significant progress in reducing HIV transmission to newborns.
@NyembeziMu
