THERE is a tremendous decline in maternal deaths recorded in Lupane, Matabeleland North, since the introduction of the Health Transition Fund, European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Philippe Van Damme has said. FELUNA NLEYA STAFF REPORTER
Speaking after touring St Luke’s Hospital, Van Damme said what he had seen at the remote institution needed to be implemented by all hospitals in a bid to have good services nationally.
“We all agree that the Health Transition Fund has done a tremendous job,” he said.
“Coming from 2008 and 2009, we managed a rebound very quickly. Very quickly we see all the health indicators turning around.”
Van Damme said he had visited a number of hospitals in Africa, but he was quite impressed by the turnaround in Lupane.
“I have seen the results with dramatically decreasing maternal deaths, child and infant deaths,” he gushed. “I saw the statistics of this hospital this morning, it is not the first time that I am visiting hospitals in Africa. I have seen a lot of them, I must say that I am quite impressed.
“I prefer a well-organised health system in old buildings over a disorganised one in new buildings.”
Van Damme said through health workers’ commitment and professionalism, it would continue to improve and consolidate the health sector. Acting district medical officer Nkazimulo Tshuma said there had been a decline in maternal deaths since 2010.
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“The highest maternal deaths were recorded between 2008 and 2009,” she said.
“We had 11 maternal deaths, but that figure has come down to three so far for 2014.”
Tshuma said the number had been declining since 2009.
“This has come through support of the Health ministry in collaboration with EU,” she said.
Tshuma said the major direct cause of maternal death was haemorrhaging, adding that they were receiving blood coupons for the mothers.
