Obstetric fistula is a complication of prolonged or obstructed labor. This happens when the child is too big for the pelvis or in the wrong position. The pelvis may not be completely developed, but obstetric fistula can be fixed.

The government received various medical equipment and ambulances from different organisations valued at US$2.3 million at a ceremony held at the National Pharmaceutical Company, where Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. John Mangwiro was the Guest of Honour.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Mangwiro said that the donations from the United Kingdom Government were a key component in the treatment of COVID-19.

“This donation from the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a key component in the treatment of COVID-19 and will go a long way in the treatment and management of patients diagnosed with the disease,” said Dr. Mangwiro.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care also acknowledged the Government of Japan for their unconditional support for the cold chain equipment they have donated valued at US$665 817 which includes 103 ice-lined refrigerators,80 Solar Direct Drive refrigerators, 499 vaccine carriers, and 130 cold boxes (on transit).

“The consignment of refrigerators, cold boxes, and vaccine carriers that we are receiving here today serves exactly this same purpose and supports our goal of reaching all eligible people anywhere in Zimbabwe with potential vaccines for the control of COVID-19,” said the Deputy Minister.

Dr. Mangwiro also recognized the donations from UNFPA as they managed to mobilise US$1.3 million from the Government of Japan which will be mainly focused on the COVID-19 hotspot of Harare and Bulawayo as well as catering for expecting mothers.

“Let me also thank the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) for mobilizing US$1.3 million from the government of Japan to support the strengthening of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) in COVID-19 hotspots of Harare and Bulawayo…the donated ambulances will help to strengthen the referral system for pregnant mothers,” said Dr. Mangwiro.

In an effort to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths had risen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Satishi Tanaka handed over ambulances and medical equipment under the project titled "Strengthening Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in COVID-19 Hotspots in Zimbabwe which by Japan and implemented by UNFPA.

"First we are handing over the project titled, “Strengthening Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in COVID-19 Hotspots in Zimbabwe”, funded by Japan and implemented by UNFPA...with the rise in maternal and perinatal deaths seen since the start of this health crisis, this project is expected to improve the provision of maternal healthcare services", Ambassador Tanaka said.

The Japanese Ambassador also handed over the Japan-funded project named “Cold Chain Equipment Support for Smooth Deployment of COVID-19 vaccines”, which was implemented by UNICEF, and is expected to reinforce the country's cold chain system and also ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach everyone.

"We are also handling over the Japan-funded project named Cold Chain Equipment Support for Smooth Deployment of COVID-19 Vaccines", implemented by UNICEF, this project is expected to reinforce the country's cold chain system and ensure that COVID-19 vaccines reach down to the last person...it includes the provision of cold chain equipment, such as ice-lined and solar-driven refrigerators, as well as vaccine carriers and cold boxes, at provincial and district centers around the country,” said the Japanese Ambassador.

UKaid Development Director Ms. Geraldine O`Callaghan, handing over COVID-19 case management equipment said they were focused on strengthening health system reliance and saving the lives of the most vulnerable citizens of Zimbabwe.

“The consignment that we are here to hand over today contains ventilation equipment. This equipment will help COVID-19 patients experiencing respiratory failure to breath, hopefully preventing COVID-19 related deaths,” said the UKaid Development Director.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)with support from the Government of Japan which mobilised $1.3 million, anesthetic machines, operating tables, delivery tables, ICU beds, infusion pumps, examination lights, Anti-shock garments, umbilical clamps, Urinary Protein Test Strips, Doppler fetal heart monitor amongst other things.