Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to reducing maternal and perinatal deaths, saying no woman or child should die from preventable causes.
Speaking yesterday while officiating at the National Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Committee meeting at Marondera Provincial Hospital in Mashonaland East Province, Hon. Kwidini said maternal and newborn health remains a national priority under Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
“This gathering is a clear demonstration of our collective determination to save lives. Every maternal or perinatal death is one too many. These are not just statistics they represent real lives lost, families broken, and communities affected. As a Ministry, we are determined to identify the causes, respond decisively, and ultimately eliminate preventable deaths,” he said
The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of data-driven interventions and accountability in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
“We are here today to strengthen our surveillance and response systems. Evidence-based decision-making is essential. We must analyse every death, understand the gaps in service delivery, and take action,” he said.
The MPDSR committee, comprising senior healthcare officials from across the country, is meeting to assess trends, share experiences, and recommend targeted strategies to reduce the country’s maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which remain unacceptably high despite recent improvements.
Kwidini acknowledged the efforts made so far but said more needs to be done to ensure that women have access to quality maternal health services, especially in rural areas.
“While we have made strides through the introduction of skilled birth attendants and improved access to antenatal care, we must scale up our efforts. No woman should die while giving life, and no newborn should be lost due to avoidable complications,” he said.
He also called for multi-sectoral collaboration, including the involvement of communities, traditional leaders, and development partners.
“We must work together government, civil society, and families to strengthen our health systems. It is only through collective effort that we will reach our national and global targets for maternal and child health,” Kwidini added.
The Deputy Minister concluded by urging healthcare workers to remain committed to saving lives, saying: “You are the frontline of this battle. Your dedication and vigilance can make the difference between life and death.”
The MPDSR initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s broader health sector strategy aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and aligning with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy
