A BEREAVEMENT suite and transition ward, said to be the first of its kind in southern Africa, has been established at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Ward at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The new facility, funded by Someone Always Listens To you Africa (Salt), a mental health organisation and the Zimbabwe German Society, is designed to provide the much-needed support and solace to bereaved parents, offering a dedicated space for grieving and healing.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, Parirenyatwa acting clinical director Maximillan Dzova said women suffered in silence after losing their newborns.
He said the situation was exacerbated by limited resources, stigma and lack of support systems.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that maternal mental health is often overlooked, despite the fact that 10% to 20% of women experience mental health conditions during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth,” he said.
“In Zimbabwe, as in many parts of southern Africa, the need for comprehensive maternal mental health services has never been more critical.”
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Statistics reveal that one in four women in the region may experience mental health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth.
“Through this collaboration, we are making an important step towards changing that narrative and improving the overall health and well-being of mothers and families,” Dzova said.
Tafadzwa Meki, from Salt Africa, said the bereavement suite would help mothers and families to navigate the pain of losing a baby.
“The bereavement suite serves a critical purpose. It provides a dedicated space for mothers and families who are navigating the heart-wrenching experience of losing a baby, whether during pregnancy or shortly after birth,” Meki said.
“This room is more than just a physical space. It is a sanctuary where families can grieve, remember and begin the healing process in a compassionate environment. Here, they can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their sorrow.”