Mutare District is witnessing a remarkable turnaround in maternal and newborn health, as Sakubva District Hospital records a sharp decline in deaths that once claimed dozens of mothers and infants each month. The transformation comes amid a series of government-led interventions under the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda, which has prioritized the health sector as a cornerstone of national development.
At Sakubva Hospital’s maternity ward, the atmosphere is now one of hope and celebration. The cries of healthy newborns fill the air, while mothers cradle their infants, proof that sustained investment in modern equipment, staff training, and uninterrupted power supply is rewriting the story of maternal health in the district. Where tragedy once dominated, survival now defines the ward.
One new mother shared her experience, saying, “When I came here, I was in pain, and my baby was delivered through a C-section. He was struggling to breathe, put on oxygen, and monitored closely until he could breathe on his own. Now, I am happy that my child is healthy, and soon we will be going home.” Another mother, delivering her first child, said, “This is my first child, and I delivered through C-section last night. As you can see, both my baby and I are doing well, thanks to the hospital staff.”
On average, Sakubva Hospital manages between 110 and 120 deliveries each week, of which roughly 40 to 45 are performed via Caesarean section. This volume of patients underscores the hospital’s role as a critical referral and delivery centre for families across Mutare District.
Speaking on the improvements, Mutare District Medical Officer Dr. David Muchirewese highlighted the dramatic reduction in maternal and perinatal deaths over recent years. “This is a district hospital primarily offering maternity and eye health services, and we have a high patient turnover for deliveries. Weekly, we manage around 110 to 120 deliveries, with about 40 to 45 being C-sections. The rest are normal deliveries,” he said.
Dr. Muchirewese attributed the improvements to a series of strategic interventions spearheaded by the government and its development partners. Among the key initiatives is the installation of a 45-kilovolt solar power plant equipped with lithium batteries. The system ensures a reliable power supply, which is critical for uninterrupted hospital operations, particularly during deliveries and surgical procedures.
Sakubva Hospital Achieves Major Milestone as Maternal and Newborn Deaths Plummet
“Continuity of power is essential in maternity wards,” Dr. Muchirewese explained. “In the past, power outages could compromise surgical procedures, jeopardize the wellbeing of newborns, and increase maternal risks. With solar power, these challenges have been significantly mitigated.”
The hospital has also undergone major renovations to its theatre, including the installation of new equipment such as theatre lights, anaesthetic machines, surgical tables, and related accessories. These upgrades have enhanced the efficiency and safety of surgical procedures, particularly C-sections, which constitute a substantial portion of the hospital’s weekly deliveries.
“Through these interventions, we have been able to reduce both maternal and perinatal deaths,” Dr. Muchirewese said. “These improvements are not only statistical victories but real-life triumphs for the families who entrust us with their care.”
For families across Mutare District, the impact of these developments is profound. Safer deliveries mean mothers and newborns returning home healthy, strengthening families and communities. The interventions have also boosted the morale of hospital staff, who now operate in a facility equipped with modern tools and a reliable power supply, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than infrastructural limitations.
The success at Sakubva Hospital is a testament to the government’s inclusive development agenda, which seeks to bridge gaps in healthcare access, improve service delivery, and ensure that life-saving care reaches those who need it most. By prioritizing maternal and newborn health, Mutare District is setting an example for other regions, demonstrating that targeted investments and strategic planning can yield tangible results.
As the Sakubva hospital continues to serve the community, families like those cradling newborns in the maternity ward are living proof that progress is possible. From once-struggling mothers and infants to now thriving families, Sakubva Hospital’s story reflects the broader transformation taking place in Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector—one where survival, health, and hope are becoming the new standard.
Source- ZBC
