A partnership between the government of Zimbabwe and Cordaid could rescue Mutoko women who have over the years endured difficulties during delivery due to high maternal costs.
Cordaid, a Non-Governmental Organization is implementing a program called Resource Based Finance, put in place to develop infrastructure at rural hospitals to ease maternal cost for pregnant women.
The organization’s Country Director, Arjaine Riestema, said the program is targeting pregnant women and infants to eliminate maternal mortality at the same time alleviating the effects of ElNino induced droughts affecting the area.
“The program targets pregnant women and we doing this through funding hospitals to reduce complications related to deliveries.
“We are also rewarding those who can bring ten or more expecting mothers to deliver at the formal health centers,” said Riestema.
Through the program, Cordaid has built and renovated waiting shelters for pregnant women at Makosa rural Hospital.
Addressing guests after touring Makosa Rural Hospital, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa hailed Cordaid facilitators and Mtoko community for coming together to help reduce marternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe which is still high as compared to developed countries.
“What you are doing is helping the government in implementing ZIMASSET. I am very glad that the hospital will grow with the help of the community,” he said.
Dr Parirenyatwa however urged Mutoko residents to continue working hard until their hospital can have full time doctors.
Speaking on that same occasion, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Lazurus Dokora applauded the work being done in Mutoko saying it helps to move the country forward.
