Sakubva and Chipinge Hospitals Hail Maternal Mortality Milestone

Sakubva and Chipinge Hospitals record zero maternal deaths in Q3 2025 (image source)

Sakubva District Hospital in Mutare and Chipinge District Hospital have recorded zero maternal deaths in the third quarter of 2025—a first for both facilities. Hospital officials attribute the milestone to targeted training, strengthened emergency-response systems and improved antenatal bookings, marking a breakthrough in Zimbabwe’s fight against maternal mortality.

According to Mutare District Medical Officer Dr David Muchirewese, Sakubva registered just one maternal death in 2024 compared to five the year before. Between July and September 2025, the hospital managed 1,392 deliveries—including 21 emergencies—and attended to all complications within 30 minutes of call-out, ensuring a 100 percent survival rate for high-risk cases.

“Identifying high-risk mothers early and acting swiftly saved lives,”– Dr David Muchirewese, District Medical Officer

Mutare’s success builds on quarterly IMNC training (Images of Maternal and Neonatal Care) rolled out since 2023. The programme equips nurses and midwives with ultrasound interpretation, haemorrhage control and neonatal resuscitation skills. “We now detect placenta previa and eclampsia within minutes,” said Sister Patel, head of obstetrics.

In Chipinge, District Medical Officer Dr Ozimmo Matekenya reported parallel improvements. With 850 deliveries monthly and 178 caesarean sections in August alone, the hospital’s early antenatal booking rate has risen to 72 percent—up from 54 percent in 2023. “Expectant mothers are more engaged. They know that booking early means safer outcomes,” Matekenya said.

National Trends and Challenges

According to the Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe’s maternal deaths fell from 597 in 2022 to 412 in 2024, a 31 percent decline. However, the numbers remain above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 70 per 100,000 live births.

Health Minister Dr Chipo Dembedza-Dhiraj stressed the need to scale up district-level strategies. “Our next focus is community outreach and transport support to remote clinics,” she said.

The 2023–24 Demographic and Health Survey placed Zimbabwe’s institutional maternal mortality ratio at 363 per 100,000, down from 462 in 2015. The Urban Voucher Programme, funded by the World Bank’s Global Financing Facility, has linked 80,000 pregnant women to antenatal care, supporting 35,000 safe deliveries in high-density suburbs.

Despite progress, the WHO warns that two-thirds of rural health centres lack obstetric theatres, forcing referrals to district hospitals. Such delayed transfers contribute to nearly 20 percent of remaining maternal deaths. The Health Sector Development Support Project aims to equip 18 rural clinics with emergency obstetric kits by the end of 2025.

Community-Driven Solutions

Grassroots initiatives are also making an impact. In Sakubva, the “Safe Motherhood Village” programme links community health workers with ambulance drivers, guaranteeing 24-hour pickup services. “No mother walks alone,” said coordinator Evelyn Zuma.

In Chipinge, faith-based organisations have introduced door-to-door maternal education, boosting antenatal class attendance by 40 percent. The Ministry of Health will host a national summit on 5 October to share best practices and secure funding for rural theatre expansion.

As Sakubva and Chipinge celebrate zero maternal deaths, health stakeholders say the milestone proves that targeted investment and community engagement can shift one of Africa’s most persistent health challenges.