Through their Higherlife Foundation, renowned philanthropists Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa have made a significant contribution to maternal and neonatal healthcare in Zimbabwe by donating essential medical equipment worth US$240,000. The generous donation will benefit three major hospitals: Sally Mugabe Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and Mpilo Central Hospital.
The donated equipment includes vital care machines such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, suction machines, monitors, jaundice meters, and phototherapy machines. These tools are crucial for improving the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns, especially during critical periods.
Philani Nyatsanza, the Higherlife Foundation Country Director, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to maternal health. As quoted by Zimsphere, Nyatsanza stated, “Since 2020, Higherlife Foundation has intensified our focus on maternal health by training medical staff, funding, and maintaining equipment. This donation continues our efforts.”
The donation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is making strides in improving maternal and neonatal services. According to the 2022 census, the maternal mortality ratio stands at 362 per 100,000 live births, and under-five mortality is at 39.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. Despite these improvements, there remains a significant need to address maternal and neonatal mortality rates in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through various initiatives, the Higherlife Foundation has been pivotal in supporting Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. The organization has funded emergency obstetric training for nearly 4,600 clinical and non-clinical maternity staff across 16 hospitals, with plans to train an additional 1,500 staff this year. Additionally, the Higherlife Foundation provides ongoing support for the supply and maintenance of equipment in maternity wards.
Nyatsanza reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Zimbabwe, stating, “We are dedicated to continuing our efforts in this critical area.” Founded in 1996 by Strive Masiyiwa, the Econet founder and chairman, and his wife Tsitsi, the Higherlife Foundation aims to transform Africa’s human capital.
The foundation’s mission is to foster a thriving continent by investing in education, global healthcare, rural transformation, sustainable livelihoods, and disaster relief and preparedness. Through these efforts, the Higherlife Foundation continues to make a profound impact on the lives of many, reinforcing its commitment to creating positive change in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
In other news – Five Zimbabwean Police Officers Held After a Woman Dies From Severe Assault
In a deeply unsettling development, five officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are facing murder charges in connection with the death of a woman they allegedly assaulted in an attempt to extract a confession. The tragic incident occurred in Selous, Zimbabwe, and has sparked outrage and grief within the local community.
The deceased, identified as Ruvimbo Kamugwala, was reportedly working as a cleaner at the home of Officer Nicola Kadonzvo on July 17, 2024, when the horrifying events unfolded. Read More
