Zimbabwe’s New Mothers Endure Corruption for Essential Child Health Cards

New mothers in Zimbabwe face extortion for Child Health Cards that are meant to be free. This artificial shortage has led to a shadow market where clinic staff sell the cards for US$5. The problems stem from systemic issues including corruption, inflation, and inadequate government response, placing a heavier burden on women seeking essential health services.

In Zimbabwe, first-time mothers face significant challenges obtaining Child Health Cards, crucial documents for tracking their infants’ health. Due to an artificial shortage at clinics, these cards, which should be free, are often sold under the table for about US$5. This corruption has resulted in a shadow market, where mothers frequently pay to access essential health documentation for their children.

The delivery of over 3,000 babies monthly in Harare’s council clinics highlights the severity of the issue, as mothers are forced to rely on makeshift records for their infants’ medical histories. As the situation worsens, health officials express concern over clinic workers exploiting the crisis. Prosper Chonzi from the City of Harare’s health department acknowledges that sporadic supplies and reports of mothers being pressured to buy cards are prevalent.

Amidst the backdrop of high inflation and economic woes, prior improvements in maternal health services are now jeopardized. A recent Transparency International Zimbabwe study found that a vast majority of respondents had been asked for bribes while accessing health care, indicating rampant corruption among health workers impacted by poor salaries.

With the return of user fees in public hospitals, women are increasingly burdened with additional financial responsibilities. Activist Prudence Hanyani argues for free maternal health services, emphasizing the societal role of giving birth. Meanwhile, women like Valerie Shangwa struggle to provide basic health records for their children, complicating their children’s care.

As these issues persist, Donald Mujiri from the Ministry of Health and Child Care attributes the card shortage to supply chain inefficiencies and insufficient donor funding, emphasizing the necessity for improved management and resource mobilization. Mothers like Faith Musinami embody the plight of many, forced to compromise financially to obtain the health services that should be constitutionally guaranteed.

The plight of Zimbabwe’s new mothers reflects systemic failures in the health care system, marked by corruption and inefficiencies. This struggle underscores the need for improved supply chains, accountable governance, and the fundamental right to free maternal health services. Mothers are caught in a web of extortion, making it imperative for authorities to address these issues urgently in order to protect both maternal and child health.

Original Source: www.thezimbabwean.co