Challenges Facing New Mothers in Zimbabwe: The Crisis of Child Health Cards

In Zimbabwe, new mothers struggle to obtain free Child Health Cards due to a mysterious shortage and corruption, leading to an underground market. The situation worsens with the reintroduction of maternity fees, putting further financial strain on mothers. Reports indicate a deep-seated issue within the healthcare system that requires urgent reform for improved maternal health services.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, new mothers encounter significant challenges in obtaining Child Health Cards, vital documents for tracking their children’s health. These cards, which should be provided free of charge, have mysteriously disappeared from public hospitals and council clinics, leading to an underground market where they are sold. Mothers like Connie Jowa struggle as they are forced to navigate this broken system, often left without the crucial information that these cards should provide.

Since July 2024, the availability of Child Health Cards has dwindled drastically, despite assurances from their producers that supply meets demand. This situation has created a shadow market where clinic staff exploit the desperation of mothers, selling the cards for around US$5. Simbarashe James Tafirenyika of the Zimbabwe Municipality’s Nurses and Allied Workers Union highlights the corruption, revealing that such illicit sales have become common practice among clinic personnel, resulting in no financial benefit to the government.

Traditionally, every mother receives a Child Health Card at the time of birth, yet many are now forced to keep track of their children’s medical histories informally. The experience of mothers like Jowa illustrates the deep emotional distress caused by this lack of proper documentation, as they struggle to obtain basic health records for their children.

Amidst these challenges, the Ministry of Health admits to irregularities in the supply of these health cards, correlating with the covert reintroduction of maternity fees in public hospitals. Although the government neither confirms nor denies this policy change, the financial burden on new mothers is undeniable, as many now must pay additional costs to secure necessary services during childbirth.

Zimbabwe’s health care system faces a multitude of challenges, including increasing corruption and an exodus of skilled health workers. Reports indicate that a substantial percentage of citizens have been solicited for bribes when seeking health care. The motivation stemming from economic pressures exacerbates the situation, contributing to a culture of bribery within the healthcare sector.

Community activists advocate for the importance of free maternal health services, arguing that childbirth is a national service essential for population growth. As women face additional financial strains, such as hiring midwives for better delivery outcomes, the reintroduction of fees is seen as particularly burdensome.

Unfortunately, even mothers who utilize private healthcare facilities experience the same issues. Valerie Shangwa, who delivered her child at a private hospital, notes the difficulty in maintaining accurate health records without a formal card. Meanwhile, Donald Mujiri from the Ministry of Health acknowledges the issue, citing supply chain inefficiencies as a contributing factor to the card shortages, which require urgent attention and resource mobilization to resolve.

As mothers like Faith Musinami navigate this complex landscape, they are left with no choice but to pay whatever is necessary to obtain critical health documentation for their children, reflecting the dire state of healthcare accessibility in Zimbabwe today.

Zimbabwe’s new mothers face significant obstacles in obtaining essential Child Health Cards, primarily due to an artificial shortage and rampant corruption within the healthcare system. The reintroduction of maternity fees adds further financial strain, compounding the challenges already faced by women. Despite assurances from health officials regarding card availability, the reality on the ground reflects a deeply flawed system in urgent need of reform. The plight of mothers underscores the need for immediate policy changes to ensure free access to maternal health services and transparency in healthcare practices.

Original Source: globalpressjournal.com