WCOZ demands accountability from Mpilo Hospital for rising child mortality

Alarming Child Mortality Statistics at Mpilo Hospital

WCoZ’s concerns were sparked by a report from July 2024, which highlighted that between January and April 2024, Mpilo Central Hospital recorded 280 child deaths. Neonatal deaths, in particular, comprised a significant portion of these fatalities. This increase in mortality has caused alarm among health advocates and the wider Bulawayo community.

The coalition, led by Bulawayo Chapter Chairperson Sibonile Ngwenya, visited the hospital on Tuesday, urging authorities to provide explanations and implement urgent reforms to stem the tide of these preventable deaths.

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Accountability Demanded

In a formal complaint submitted to the hospital’s Public Relations Office, WCoZ voiced deep concern over the rising mortality rate and demanded detailed explanations of the actions the hospital had taken to address the issue. The coalition expressed particular alarm over the high number of neonatal deaths, which had been reported over just four months.

“The Bulawayo Chapter is greatly disturbed by the 280 child deaths reported at Mpilo Central Hospital this year, with neonatal fatalities making up the majority. This is a tragic reality for many families and a cause for deep concern for the city at large”

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Legal and Healthcare Rights Cited

WCoZ emphasized that the current situation at Mpilo Central Hospital violates the rights guaranteed by the Zimbabwean Constitution. Section 76(1) of the Constitution ensures every citizen’s right to essential healthcare services, including maternal and neonatal care. However, the ongoing child mortality surge points to severe inadequacies in the healthcare services being provided at Mpilo.

The complaint detailed several critical issues, including staff shortages, outdated medical equipment, and insufficient training for healthcare workers.

Calls for Investigation and Reform

The Women’s Coalition called for an in-depth investigation into the causes of the neonatal deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital. The coalition urged hospital management to improve service delivery in critical areas, particularly in maternity and neonatal care, which are central to reducing preventable deaths.

The coalition also stressed that the causes of the deaths must be thoroughly examined and that the hospital should ensure higher standards of care in its maternity wards.