VCPH neonatal unit receives winter boost

 

Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter

THE Special Care Baby Unit at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital received 40 winter blankets last Friday, a gesture aimed at protecting premature and vulnerable new-borns from the biting winter cold.

The donation is meant for mothers admitted at the hospital’s SCBU.

The blankets were handed over by Time Out for Women Zimbabwe (TOFWZ) in partnership with Mega Market Zimbabwe.

TOFWZ founder, Mrs Masilina Mugadza said their objective is to complement Government’s healthcare efforts, and help address the persistent shortages facing public hospitals, particularly in maternal and neonatal care.

“Our intention is not to replace the work being done by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, but rather to strengthen it. We acknowledge that resources are stretched, and critical supplies like warm blankets, incubators, and basic baby care items are often unavailable. That is where we come in — to bridge that gap, however small it may seem,” she said.

Mrs Mugadza said such donations, although seemingly minor, can significantly impact the wellbeing of both the mother and child during vulnerable moments in the hospital.

The donation is particularly timely, given the significantly dropping winter temperatures in the Eastern Highlands.

“This may seem like a small gesture, but to a mother sitting in a cold hospital ward with her fragile new born, a warm blanket is a source of comfort, care, and hope. It is not just about warmth; it is about dignity, compassion, and easing the distress of families already going through a difficult experience. In these critical early hours and days, such basic support can mean the difference between despair and relief,” she said.

Mrs Mugadza said the donation is just one of several planned interventions aimed at supporting public health institutions in the province.

TOFWZ has been increasingly involved in supporting maternal and child health services in the province, focusing on maternal health awareness, preterm birth prevention, neonatal care, and early childhood nutrition.

Mrs Mugadza said the maternity project is a voluntary initiative designed to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, particularly in resource-constrained communities.

“One of our primary areas of intervention is the Special Care Baby Unit, where preterm and low-birth-weight babies receive treatment. These infants require specialised care and equipment, which are often in short supply in public health institutions,” she said.

Mrs Mugadza revealed that efforts are underway to procure five neonatal incubators and other essential equipment for the unit, in consultation with the Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga’s Office, to ensure that interventions align with hospital needs.

 

She also said such interventions are part of TOFWZ’s broader health advocacy campaign, which includes community outreach events across Manicaland.

“Through these events, we raise awareness on the importance of early antenatal care, routine pregnancy check-ups, and the risks associated with premature births. We are also advocating for wider adoption of kangaroo mother care, a low-cost, but effective method for supporting premature infants through prolonged skin-to-skin contact. This technique can be lifesaving, particularly in public hospitals that lack advanced incubator systems.

“By emphasising the importance of early antenatal visits, we aim to reduce the frequency of premature births, and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. We also use these platforms to educate women on the benefits of kangaroo care, a method that is especially important for low-birth-weight babies and twins,” she said.

VCPH public relations focal person, Mrs Nyaradzo Nyandiya welcomed the support for bringing relief to the unit.

“As a hospital, and on behalf of the Medical Superintendent, Dr Hilary Makiwa, we are deeply grateful for the generous donation of blankets to our hospital. The kindness will bring warmth and comfort to patients, and we appreciate the support. Warm blankets can help alleviate pain and discomfort, and also better sleep is essential for recovery. More critically, it demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts between Government, civic organisations and private partners in supporting the public health sector,” she said.