133 Maternal Deaths Since January

THERE were 133 maternal deaths in Zimbabwe in the last six months, the Health and Child Care Ministry has said.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
Seven maternal deaths were reported during the week ending 30 June 2019.
The deaths were reported from Mpilo (1) in Bulawayo Province, Parirenyatwa (1), Harare Central Hospital (1), Chitungwiza Central Hospital (1) in Harare Province and Mutare District (3) in Manicaland Province.
Director Family Health in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Dr Bernard Madzima said outlined the Ministry’s goal on maternal health.
“The aim is to reduce maternal deaths from a total of 409 in 2018 to less than 300 in 2019.
We are now halfway through the year and we are on track. The aim is to eliminate all preventable maternal deaths,” he said.
During the week ending June 30, two malaria deaths were reported. Of the reported 3 963 cases 444 (11.2%) were from the under five years of age.
The deaths were reported from Mutoko District (1), Chiredzi District (1), and Gokwe North District (1). This brings the total number of deaths to 183 and a total of 189 310 cases reported since January 2019.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Mr Andrew Tangwena said they are expecting a decline in the Malaria cases.
“The Malaria peak period (January to May) which is characterized by high mosquito population in most parts of the country has just ended.
In winter the malaria morbidity and mortality is reduced to lower levels. The NMCP is stepping up efforts to prepare for the 2019-2020 malaria season,” he said.
Thirteen (13) new suspected typhoid cases cases and no deaths were reported during the week ending 23 June 2019.
The cases were reported from North Western (3), West South West (8), Harare Central Hospital (1), all in Harare Province and Mpilo Central Hospital (1) in Bulawayo Province.
This brings the total number of suspected typhoid cases to 5 394 and 12 deaths since January 2019.
Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Portia Manangazira said there are still typhoid outbreaks in Harare despite the vaccination conducted in the eight most affected suburbs.
“The next phase is to vaccinate all aged 15 years and below, following which the typhoid vaccine will be introduced into the childhood immunization program.
This will put an end to typhoid cases and also preserve the antibiotics since as you know we already documented significant resistance,” she said.
Dr Manangazira highlighted that the ultimate prevention, just like for cholera remains provision of adequate safe water and sanitation.