BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The midwives have called for increased staffing, better support and improved working conditions as the country commemorates International Day of the Midwife, warning that shortages continue to strain maternal healthcare services.
In a statement released Tuesday, the National Executive Committee of midwives said while Zimbabwe has made progress in reducing maternal deaths, significant gaps remain.
“This year we celebrate the day with a sense of satisfaction knowing that the maternal mortality rate has dropped from 323/100000 in 2019 to 262/100000 according to the ZDHS of 2025,” the statement read. “Though we are glad the rate has dropped there is still a lot of work to be done to meet the SDGs target of 70/100000.”
The group noted that neonatal mortality had slightly increased, underscoring the need for continued efforts in maternal and newborn care.
Echoing global concerns, the midwives said the world urgently needs more professionals in the field. “The WHO tells us the world needs 900,000 more midwives right now to reach universal coverage. By 2030, if we do nothing, that gap becomes one million.”
In Zimbabwe, the shortage is already being felt across health facilities. “We feel it on night duty when one midwife runs between labour ward, postnatal, and the neonatal unit,” the statement said, adding that newly deployed graduates often lack mentorship and adequate resources.
The midwives urged the government to increase investment in the sector, including reviewing staffing levels and improving infrastructure. “We are not just calling for more midwives, we need supported, respected and equipped midwives.”
They also called for expanded access to care at primary health level. “Ensure that every primary health care center has a midwife,” the statement said.
Despite the challenges, the group paid tribute to practitioners across the country. “We applaud and appreciate and celebrate each and every one of the midwives in Zimbabwe.”
The statement concluded with a call to action aligned with this year’s theme: “One million more midwives. It starts here. It starts with us. It starts now.”