Pen to paper … Ambassador Lars Ronnas and health minister, David Parirenyatwa
Ronnas said this at the signing of the Health Development Fund agreement. According to the agreement, Stockholm will provide $24 million for the next four years, in line with the Swedish government’s priorities for development cooperation globally and in Zimbabwe.
The money is for basic health care, strengthening of health systems and for the improvement of access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Services.
Ambassador Ronnas said with the current economic difficulties there was need to work closely together to ensure that the number of mothers who die in the process of giving birth is brought down.
Maternal mortality ratio per 1000.000 live births is 614.
“With the agreement we have signed today, Sweden will provide a substantial contribution to bring down the maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe. The agreement is part of a collective commitment by the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF, UNFPA and Sweden to provide health services of good quality to women, children and young people. These services are also to reach remote areas and for vulnerable groups to access.
“We look forward to learn more on the results of the costing of national health strategy, the health financing policy the fiscal space analysis and assessments of results based financing and human resources.
“Those are important steps towards necessary healthy reforms, better governance and financial sustainability.
The Health Development Fund, which is being managed by UNICEF and UNFPA, is expected to help further consolidate and strengthen the health system in Zimbabwe, leading to improved health outcomes for mothers, new born babies and young people.
Zimbabwe has managed to bend the curve on maternal and child mortality after decades of an upward swing. A strong, robust partnership under government leadership has been key to revitalizing maternal, new-born and child health services and realizing the gains achieved so far.
Post published in: Health