On October 24, 2024, Zimbabwean human rights and political activists in the UK came together to deliver two petitions to Number 10 Downing Street. Activists were determined to spotlight the injustices happening in Zimbabwe and the alarming maternal mortality rated in the country.
I was privileged to be one of the activists participating in this demonstration. I felt a strong sense of purpose as we presented our petitions to the Prime Minister's Office . The first petition was calling for urgent international attention to the human rights violations that are rampant in Zimbabwe where voices have been quietened by Zanu PF. The second petition was about the maternal mortality rate that has critically gone high. Expectant mothers are dying, a situation that requires urgent action and support from the international world.
We have a link to the Petition itself {CLICK HERE} and an extract from it states:
Michael Sibangilizwe Nkomo has written today {23rd October 2024} on the ZAPU.ORG website a heart felt and poignant message regarding the serious Maternal Death issues within Zimbabwe.
“As for the populace in Zimbabwe, the greatest impact of ZANU PF misrule will remain in the form of terrifying maternal and infant mortality rates. Independently verified statistics on Zimbabwe's institutional maternity challenges paint a grim picture of a country precariously on the brink.”
- Institutional maternal mortality rate was 114 per 100,000 live births in 2023 compared to 107 in 2022, noting a concerning increase.
- Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) increased from 28.4 per 1000 births to 35.6 per 1000 births.
- Most perinatal deaths (75.3%) occurred at Kwekwe General Hospital situated at the centre of a gold-rich part of Zimbabwe.
- Hypertension contributed 59/333 (17.7%) to stillbirths while
- birth asphyxia accounted for 210/511 (41.1%) of early neonatal deaths (ENND) as at 20 September 2023.
- Mortality rate, neonatal (per 1,000 live births) in Zimbabwe was reported at 24.3 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources.
At our Petition, our cry to the Prime Minister and his government was to help us with its influence to pressure Zanu PF government to answer the call of Zimbabwean Citizens and allow them to be led by a government of their choice. The high maternal mortality rate indicates the adverse failures that have affected affected citizens and communities.
An air of Hope and resilience filled the air as we sang and danced in one accord. The demand for justice and accountability amongst others was expressed in song and dance, as we demonstrated togetherness in our fight for the rights of Zimbabwean citizens and advocating for a future where every pregnant mother has a right to live.
