Improving Maternal Health
Zimbabwe has made progress in reducing maternal mortality, but challenges remain. According to UNICEF (2023), the maternal mortality ratio is 462 deaths per 100,000 live births, still among the highest in the world. Tragically, one in every 59 women is estimated to die from pregnancy-related complications.
Our Response
In partnership with the Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Zimbabwe Health Training Support (ZHTS) has been working to address this crisis by delivering targeted training to healthcare professionals across Zimbabwe.
Emergency Obstetric Care Training
Our flagship programme is a three-day Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) course designed to tackle the leading causes of maternal and newborn mortality. The training is delivered through:
- Short, focused lectures
- Interactive breakout sessions
- Scenario-based learning
- Practical, hands-on skills development
- Emphasis on teamwork in clinical settings
Building Sustainable Local Capacity
Participants who showed strong leadership and teaching potential were invited to join a “Training of Trainers” programme. This has enabled hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo to continue running the EOC courses independently, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Our Impact
Between 2008 and 2015, 924 healthcare workers—including doctors, nurses, and midwives—completed the EOC training. This growing network of skilled professionals is playing a key role in improving outcomes for mothers and newborns across Zimbabwe.
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