Relief for expectant mothers

SYDNEY SAIZE RECENTLY IN MUTAMBARA

Hordes of expecting mothers in Chimanimani district, Manicaland Province, have expressed relief following the construction of a mothers’ shelter at Mutambara Mission Hospital.

The United Methodist-run health institution with its development partners set up the structure to curtail home deliveries that have more often resulted in maternal deaths during childbirth.

Most women used to give birth at home since their referral hospital did not have accommodation for pregnant women.

But, it is now a story of the past.

Mutambara Mission Hospital serves a catchment area population of about 13 600 people.

Some of the expecting mothers who spoke to the Business Times said they are grateful for the  development.

Joyce Muteranduwa from Mutsiyabako village situated about 15km from the hospital said she was happy with the development.

“As an expecting mother I am happy with the shelter that we have at Mutambara hospital as it has made it easy for most women who are pregnant to come and wait to deliver at the centre.

“Before that there were problems with travelling when one is due for delivery.  The problems would include walking long distances or hiring transport which is costly to most rural people here,” Muteranduwa said.

She said the shelter has made it possible for most women to have a rest from household chores and access prenatal care and help as they wait for their time.

“We know exercises are recommended for pregnant women, but when one is at home the workload becomes cumbersome to the extent that it becomes overworking,” said the expectant mother.

Nyaradzo Lanas who is at the Mothers Shelter at Mutambara Mission Hospital said cases of gender based violence had also been reduced as the mothers would be away from their husbands during that duration.

“It is common for disputes to arise at home particularly when one is pregnant. With pregnancy you become moody and quarrels are bound to happen, so such scenarios are reduced when we are at the shelter,” Lanas said.

Laiza Dzitiro from Nyambeya village in Chimanimani district, said in emergency cases it would be difficult for rural communities to get an ambulance for medical attention.

“Many rural people cannot afford to pay for ambulance fees or charges and in this instance it is important for us to be here at the Mothers’ Shelter, in addition some of us stay very far from the main road and where no vehicle can reach our villages.

“It is best that we be accommodated here and be able to deliver safely and be taken care of by the health staff,” Dzitiro  said.

Mutambara Mission Hospital medical superintendent, Dr Emmanuel Mefor said the mothers’ shelter has been a worthwhile relief as the mothers are checked on regularly.

He said the mothers’ shelter had been fitted with solar powered lighting, thanks to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in case of emergencies.

Meanwhile, the UNOPS and the World Health Organisation are working together to rehabilitate an incinerator at Mutambara, as the hospital generates a large amount of medical waste and also supports the waste disposal of several smaller health centres in the area.

The facility generates an average of 45kgs of medical healthcare waste streams per month.

Outreach sites such as Mashonjowa, Mhandarume, Mutsiyabako, Ruwedza, Mushakata, Tabanchu, Maraisi and Hanzi generate an average of 1.2kg to 1.5kg of healthcare waste per month which is also incinerated at Mutambara Mission Hospital.