Maternal Mortality funds yet to be disbursed

documentation to enable them to disburse it.
Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe led the campaign to raise US$100 000 under the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), in October 2010. 
Principal director in the office of DPM Khupe, Dr Samukele Hadebe said the documentation, which will give campaign board members the green light to use the funds is almost complete.
“The board set a condition that they will not use the money until there is a deed giving them powers to withdraw and use the money. This document is now complete and awaiting registration,” said Dr Hadebe.
“The process of registering the deed should not take more than a week unless there are areas needing revisiting. Thereafter, the money can be accessed and disbursed,” he said.
The money was raised in October 2010 following Zimbabwe’s successful launch of CARMMA by DPM Khupe, also the campaign’s goodwill ambassador.
A board of trustees was appointed to manage the funds.
According to the DPM’s office, the money will be used for a pilot project which is going to see specified clinics receiving maternal fees in advance and expecting women will deliver for free at the selected institutions.
However, Dr Hadebe said the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare will determine what the money will be used for. The Ministry of Health will tell us what is needed most by pregnant mothers because what they had prioritised a year ago might no longer be their priority now,” he said.
CARMMA is a regional campaign, which Zimbabwe adopted and is currently running under the theme: “Zimbabwe Cares: No Woman Should Die While Giving Life!”.
Its aim is to ensure renewed commitment by leaders to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
Zimbabwe has recorded high numbers of pregnancy — related deaths and complications.
According to the Zimbabwe maternal and prenatal mortality study (2007), the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has trebled to 725 deaths for 100 000 live births. In Zimbabwe, pregnant women are failing to register for maternity citing high user fees as hindrance.
In Harare maternity fees are pegged at US$25 at council clinics.
These charges were contributing to increased women delivering in homes as they failed to raise the required registration fees.