Zero maternal deaths in four years at Hauna hospital

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke In Honde Valley

Interventions being implemented at Hauna District Hospital, in Mutasa District, have resulted in zero maternal deaths over the past four years, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in Zimbabwe.

Since 2022, the hospital has successfully delivered more than 4 000 babies, with all mothers surviving childbirth, a development that aligns with the Government’s drive to reduce maternal mortality under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the National Health Strategy.

The achievement underscores progress towards universal health coverage, ensuring that pregnant women, even in remote communities, have access to timely, quality and life-saving services without financial hardship.

Hauna District Hospital matron, Mr Tendai Serere, said the institution’s success is anchored on a combination of skilled personnel, improved infrastructure and early intervention systems.

“We receive a lot of pregnant women who deliver here. In the first three months from January to March this year, we delivered 446 babies and all of them survived. We have not had any woman lose her life during childbirth since 2022 and this is because of various reasons. We have a skilled workforce, including trained midwives and nurses,” he said.

Serving a wide catchment area of more than 50 clinics and health posts, the hospital has strengthened referral systems and introduced measures to minimise delays in accessing emergency obstetric care.

Mr Serere said expectant mothers with complications are encouraged to stay at the hospital’s waiting mothers’ shelter from as early as 33 weeks of pregnancy.

“Our catchment area is very big, so we encourage pregnant mothers to come to the waiting mothers’ shelter if they have complications. This helps us avoid delays in care, especially for those travelling long distances, and preserves both the mother’s life and that of the baby,” he said.

The hospital has also enhanced its diagnostic capacity, including the use of ultrasound scans to identify high-risk pregnancies such as multiple births or hypertension.

“If there is need, we carry out emergency Caesarean sections. We rarely refer our pregnant mothers to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare because we are now managing most of the cases here,” he said.

Adequate supplies of essential medicines, including malaria prevention and treatment for pregnant women, have also contributed to improved outcomes in the district, which lies in a malaria-prone area.

“Malaria is dangerous for both the mother and the baby, so we ensure our pregnant mothers receive preventive medicines,” Mr Serere said.

The hospital’s preparedness to handle obstetric emergencies is further strengthened by a reliable electricity supply, backed by a solar system, delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Global Fund and the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and consistent availability of blood for transfusions.

“We always have electricity in the maternity ward, and whenever there are power cuts, the backup solar system kicks in. We also have an adequate supply of blood. Whenever there is a complicated delivery, the mother gets blood quickly, free of charge. We have not lost a mother due to haemorrhage,” he added.

For many women in the district, these improvements have been life-saving.

Ms Sophia Uranda (30), of Chavhanga Village, recounted how she survived a near-fatal childbirth complication after being referred to the hospital.

“When I went into labour, I asked my relatives to take me to the clinic, but I gave birth before getting there. The placenta did not come out and I was getting weak. I do not remember how I got here, but when I arrived, the doctors rushed me to the theatre and the operation was successful. I received a pint of blood and I am thankful that I am here today with my baby,” she said.

Another mother, Ms Colletta Ngende (22), from Chiko Village in Mandeya 2, said she received prompt care when she arrived at the hospital in labour.

“I arrived at around 5am and by 7am, I was in the theatre for a Caesarean section. I received good care from the nurses and doctors. I am now recovering well and I hope to go home with my baby soon.”

The success stories demonstrate how investments in rural health facilities can significantly reduce maternal deaths, which remain a major public health concern globally.

The achievements at Hauna District Hospital highlight how decentralising critical services to the district level can ease pressure on referral hospitals while improving survival rates for mothers and newborns.