STAFF WRITER
STAKEHOLDERS have called on authorities to address water shortages in the country’s hospitals to ensure pregnant women receive care in an environment conducive to reducing maternal mortality.
This was revealed yesterday at the launch of a gender-responsive public service and tax justice report produced by Action Aid Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the launch, Women Coalition of Zimbabwe chairperson Muchanyara Mukamuri told the Daily News that many maternal hospitals do not have running water, along with other basic needs, a situation that is forcing women to deliver in unsafe home environments.
“It is sad that most hospitals in the country do not have clean water and pregnant women are of- ten expected to bring their own water and supplies, discouraging them from seeking care.
“Zimbabwe is one of the few countries that still records high maternal mortality.
“In a normal society where everything is accessible, we should be enjoying having as many children as we want, knowing we are safe.
“We need to improve our healthcare system to ensure safe and accessible services for all.
“Our healthcare system is inadequate, with dirty water, frequent power outages, and short- ages of medical professionals and supplies,” Mukamuri said.
“Despite budget allocations, our hospitals continue to deteriorate. Essential medical supplies, including diagnostic equipment and basic medications like paracetamol, are often unavailable.
“I have experienced this first-hand when my maid suffered an asthma attack and we could not get assistance at a nearby medical facility due to lack of resources.”
On her part, ActionAid Zimbabwe’s programmes and policy manager for Women’s Rights and Economic Justice Ruvimbo Nhunhanga emphasised the need for effective and efficient budget allocations.
“The mismatch between the policy commitments and the realities on the ground suggests a fundamental disconnect in the effective utilisation and distribution of public resources.
“Our report was to uncover why the taxes collected were not translating into effective public service provision, especially
for women and girls and those in marginalised communities,” Nhunhanga said.
“Addressing this disparity will require a deeper analysis of the underlying factors hindering the translation of increased funding into tangible improvements in school facilities and learning environments, particularly in remote, underserved areas like Mbire.
“The government should rationalise public expenditures, enhancing international partner- ships, establishing contingency funds and increasing transparency and accountability.”
Nhunhanga also expressed concerns over inadequate public schools, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of girls to abuse when forced to travel long distances to educational institutions.
