Midwife shortage hits Zimbabwe

The government of Zimbabwe plans to double the health workforce by 2030 to address the critical shortage of midwives and improve maternal healthcare amidst a mass exodus of health workers. This was revealed by Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Timios Kwidini in the Senate, in response to concerns about the skills gap in the healthcare sector.

Kwidini highlighted the current shortage of midwives and emphasized the government's target to double the health workforce by 2030 to alleviate challenges faced by pregnant women. He noted the role of village health workers in providing health education to expectant mothers and encouraging antenatal care visits. For pregnancies requiring special attention, women are advised to visit nearby hospitals for specialized treatment.

The healthcare sector in Zimbabwe has been severely affected by the migration of health workers, particularly to the United Kingdom, due to poor salaries, inadequate working conditions, and underfunding leading to shortages of drugs and medical equipment.

Kwidini acknowledged these poor working conditions and mentioned government efforts to improve remuneration for health workers, aiming for a more collaborative approach within the civil service.

Midwives have also been crucial in responding to the recent cholera outbreak, working tirelessly to provide essential care to pregnant women and new mothers. The United Nations Population Fund has supported these efforts through its Emergency Fund, supplying midwives with necessary resources to continue their life-saving work.