Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Government has intensified efforts to improve maternal health care services in rural communities through the construction of waiting mothers’ shelters at health facilities across the country.
The initiative is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal deaths by providing safe accommodation for pregnant women who live far from health institutions.
The shelters allow expectant mothers to stay close to skilled health personnel, ensuring timely access to medical care during labour and delivery.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed mothers shelter at Toriro Clinic in Makoni West last Saturday, Skills Audit and Development Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere who partnered with the community to construct the facility, said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthen maternal and child health services, particularly in underserved communities where long distances often hinder access to health care.
“Toriro Clinic is on the furthest corner of the constituency, but we saw it fit to upgrade it by constructing a modern mothers’ waiting shelter. This is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. The clinic was also solarised to support grid power. We are in the process of upgrading staff houses so that our nurses live comfortably.
“For us to achieve Vision 2030, we must have standard health facilities. We have started a programme to upgrade the facilities. In Makoni West Constituency, we have constructed 10 mothers waiting shelters and currently three new clinics are under construction.
“The construction of new clinics is meant to reduce the distance being travelled by people to seek medical care. We are continuing to sink boreholes in the constituency. We also want to warn all those peddling dangerous drugs to stop immediately as they are destroying people’s lives. A skills centre will be set up in the constituency focusing on agriculture so that farmers are equipped with proper farming skills,” said Dr Muswere who is also the Makoni West legislator.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, commended Dr Muswere for leading in the construction and upgrading of health facilities in the constituency, saying the work aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa vision of health for all.
“We want a healthy and fit populace to work and achieve developmental goals of Vison 2030. We also applaud the community for chipping in with locally available materials for this construction to happen, and this is what President Emmerson Mnangagwa is preaching,” said Minister Mugadza.
An expecting mother, Ms Bridget Drawer, said the construction of the waiting mothers shelter has brought comfort to mothers as they will stay close to nurses while waiting to deliver.
“I am expecting my second child, and I live a considerable distance from this clinic. This mother’s shelter has enabled me to stay at the clinic under the nurses’ watchful eyes. Cases of home deliveries and passing on of mothers and their babies will be reduced,” she said.
The shelter is equipped with basic amenities, including sleeping quarters, sanitation facilities and cooking areas, creating a comfortable environment for women awaiting delivery.
Community members welcomed the development, describing it as a lifesaving intervention, with Headwoman Leah Mupambawahle, noting that in the past, some women were forced to travel long distances while in labour, often resulting in complications or home deliveries without skilled medical assistance.
“This clinic was started long back by our fathers, but it lacked expecting mothers’ shelter. This led to a number of women giving birth at homes, church shrines and some on their way to the clinic. Unfortunately, we lost some mothers and their babies as they could not reach the clinic on time.
“As the community leader, I worked hand-in-hand with the ward councillor to mobilise all villagers to contribute locally available materials. Our Member of Parliament, Dr Muswere played a huge role in providing cement, roofing materials, beds, television and other essentials. He also installed a solar powered borehole here and the clinic is now modern,” said Muzvare Mupambawahle, in sentiments echoed by Ward 26 councillor, Councillor Vester Marovero.
