THE European Union (EU) will today hand over 63 ambulances to the Health ministry worth $2,8 million aimed at improving maternal health services in the country.
Report by Staff Reporter
EU head of delegation to Zimbabwe Ambassador Aldo Dell’Arricia said in a statement the ambulances would be distributed to all rural health districts.
“These ambulances are part of a €9,9 million (about $13 million) programme that seeks to improve maternal health through revitalising Maternity Waiting Homes (MWHs) and related services,” Dell’ Arricia said.
“The programme contributes significantly to reducing maternal mortality in line with the Millennium Development Goals. We must act decisively to address the current levels of 960 deaths per 100 000 births.”
Dell’ Arricia said 150 000 women were expected to benefit from the MWHs and other services in 105 health facilities over three years.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to ensure that women have unrestricted access to high quality reproductive health services as this is the only way to reduce maternal and child mortality. The project complements other EU-supported programmes that seek to improve vulnerable people’s access to healthcare, especially in the rural areas.
