Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
HAUNA District Hospital in Mutasa has not recorded a single maternal death since 2022, marking a significant milestone in rural healthcare as the institution strengthens its emergency response and delivery services.
The achievement comes as the Ministry of Health and Child Care intensifies national efforts to cut maternal mortality and expand access to safe childbirth, particularly in remote districts where expectant mothers often travel long distances for care.
Despite handling hundreds of deliveries annually, the district referral hospital has maintained the record through sustained focus on maternal health.
In an interview, the matron Tendai Serere said the hospital has made maternal care a top priority to ensure that every mother delivers safely and returns home alive.
“We are proud of the progress we have made over the years in reducing maternal deaths at our hospital. Every expectant mother who comes through our doors is closely monitored to ensure that she delivers safely and returns home in good health with her baby,” said Serere, attributing the achievement to teamwork, improved monitoring systems and sustained Government support.
“We credit this success to collaboration among nurses, doctors and other health workers, as well as better access to medical equipment and essential medicines. Our staff work together daily to ensure that no mother is left behind. Maternal healthcare demands teamwork and commitment because emergencies can arise at any moment,” said Serere, adding that the hospital introduced systems to identify and monitor mothers at risk of complications before delivery.
He explained that pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies are admitted to waiting shelters from 33 weeks so that health workers can monitor them ahead of labour.
“We realised some mothers from remote areas were arriving too late, after complications had already set in. The waiting shelters have enabled us to detect problems early and intervene swiftly before conditions worsen,” she said, adding that Government provision of equipment and other resources had significantly bolstered maternity services at the hospital.
“The equipment and resources we continue to receive from Government have enhanced our capacity to respond to emergencies and improved the quality of care for mothers and newborns,” said Serere.
She noted that maternal deaths are often linked to delays in seeking treatment, shortages of equipment and weak emergency response systems.
Serere said the hospital assisted 446 women to deliver safely between January and April this year alone, with all mothers and babies surviving.
Some beneficiaries described how prompt medical attention had saved their lives and those of their babies.
Mrs Sophia Uranda, of Sagambe, who had previously been admitted in critical condition during labour, said health workers acted swiftly upon her arrival.
“I was in a very difficult condition when I arrived at the hospital, but the nurses and doctors responded swiftly. I safely delivered my baby, and I am now in good health. I will always appreciate the support and care I received,” she said.
Ms Colleta Ngende (22), of Mwadiwa Village, praised the staff following a successful surgical delivery.
“The nurses and doctors supported me throughout and kept encouraging me. I am grateful because both my baby and I are healthy and we have returned home safely,” she said.
Sister Serere said the hospital’s achievement is expected to bolster public confidence in maternal healthcare services across the district and surrounding communities.
