By Staff Reporter
THE Health and Child Care Ministry says hypertension disorders and underlying HIV are among the main causes of HIV in women giving birth in the country.
This comes on the back of official records showing that nearly 300 babies and 54 women dying due to complications while giving birth in January 2025 alone.
Deputy Minister of Health and Childcare, Sleiman Kwidini, recently told Parliament that nearly 300 infants and 54 women died due to complications during childbirth in January 2025.
Harare recorded the highest number of neonatal deaths, with 111 cases, alongside 19 maternal deaths.
Kwidini stated that maternal deaths were primarily caused by surgical complications and underlying health issues.
“The maternal deaths as at January 2025 to date is currently set as 54. Moving back to 2024, I will start by Harare Province where we have maternal deaths of 19 and neonatal deaths of 111.
“The leading cause of death was hypertensive disorders and its complications, including renal failure. The other was post-partum hemorrhage post having an abortion, post normal delivery and also post caesarian section. Sexes was also a contributory factor. Some had underlying HIV and Diabetic Mellitus conditions. Other causes were a dilated cardiomyopathy,” said Kwidini.
The deputy minister added that neonatal deaths were mainly caused by respiratory complications.
“On neonatal deaths of 299, the leading cause was respiratory distress as a complication. Secondary was birth asplenium due to challenges with intercultural chair,” he said
