116 babies born on Christmas Day in Harare and Chitungwiza

At least 116 babies were born on Christmas Day in public and private hospitals in Harare and Chitungwiza with a higher figure expected countrywide. Twenty-eight were born at Harare Central Hospital, a similar number at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals while Chitungwiza Central Hospital recorded 14.

"Twenty-eight babies were born on Christmas Day with 20 of them being boys. Our first Christmas baby was born at 00:45 and it was a boy," said Mr Ngonidzaishe Munjoma, Parirenyatwa's nurse-in-charge.

He said the hospital recorded two sets of twins; a boy and a girl from each of the set.

Harare Central Hospital recorded 28 deliveries compared to last year's 42.

The matron-in-charge of Harare Paediatric Hospital Sister Lucia Jongwe said it was a busy holiday, but said the number of children born on Christmas Day had decreased.

"We had 18 boys and 10 girls who were delivered on Christmas Day with one set of twin boys. This year, we recorded less numbers of babies compared to last year. They were all delivered safely and fortunately we did not have any stillbirths," she said.

Mrs Lucia Katinge, who gave birth to twins at Harare Paediatric Hospital, said she did not expect to deliver twins.

"I did not know that I was carrying twins. I only got to know about it during delivery and I am so excited," she said.

Sixteen babies were born at Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic in Mbare; 14 of whom are girls. Other Harare polyclinics recorded a total of 23 Christmas babies.

Avenues Clinic had two babies a boy and a girl while Baines Avenue Maternity Hospital had five.

Nearly all hospitals in and around Harare yesterday discharged some of the babies born on Christmas Day.