We need partners: Parirenyatwa

HEALTH and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa says Zimbabwe badly needs the support of partners to improve the health sector.

Speaking during the USAID/Maternal and Child Health Integrated Program (MCHIP) success celebration and commitment renewing meeting, Parirenyatwa said partners were very important but should recognise established leadership in the country.

“We do need partners and stakeholders in the health sector and I am happy that we have a myriad of them who are assisting us,” said Parirenyatwa.

“We certainly cannot do it alone and we recognise that as a country, but you need to also accept our leadership.

“Health and quality life is not the sole mandate of the health sector as we are impacted by a lot of other things like water and even roads.

“For example, if there are no good roads that will enable ambulances to go and carry pregnant women, it’s a road issue that also becomes a health issue.”

Globally, MCHIP is the USAID global flagship which focuses on reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality in 30 countries, contributing to Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.

It’s goal is to increase access to high-quality Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) services and strengthen health services in Zimbabwe by supporting the Health ministry and contributing to the scaling up and rollout of evidence-based, high-impact interventions that will reduce maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality and malnutrition and support progress towards the attainment of MDGs 4 and 5.

US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton said his country was giving MCHIP US$15 million for the next three years to help Zimbabwe make progress in health issues.

Ambassador Wharton said it was unacceptable for children to die of preventable diseases and hunger.

“The US is committing US$15 million to MCHIP for the next three years so that they can expand to other five districts in Manicaland.

“No child should die from preventable diseases; no mother should die while giving birth and no person should die of hunger.”