Dr Maximilian Dzowa, Acting Principal Director of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (right) and ZGS Director Taremeredzwa Takudzwa Chirewa tour the Transition Ward
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
It was a day filled with mixed emotions at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing of Parirenyatwa Group Hospital on Wednesday, when S.A.L.T Africa (Someone Always Listens To You) handed over the first of its kind Bereavement Suite and Transition Ward meant to provide mental support for grieving parents.
For some, it was tears of joy as a space for healing was established for grieving parents, while for others, it was the heart-wrenching thought of losing a child during pregnancy, birth or shortly after.
The Bereavement Suite and Transition Ward allows parents to pay their last respects and hold their child or children one final time, facilitating a crucial process of closure.
The project which was funded by the Zimbabwe German Society (ZGS), comprises a Bereavement Suite which has a couch, a chair and a cradle and also acts as a counselling room for the grieving families.
The Transition Ward which has two beds, is used by the grieving mothers before they are discharged from the hospital.
Dr Maximilian Dzowa, Acting Principal Director of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, described it as a significant milestone in the provision of maternal mental health a Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa and the broader African continent.
“Today marks the official handover of the Bereavement Suite and Transition Ward at Parirenyatwa Maternity Hospital a pioneering initiative that will bring much-needed support to bereaved parents during one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of their lives.
“This facility is the first of its kind in Southern Africa and among the very few in all of Africa, is a testament to the tireless efforts of S.A.L.T Africa, a mental health organization focused on maternal mental health in eradicating stereotypical evaluations on mental health.
“This was enabled through the support of the Zimbabwe German Society.
“Through their unwavering commitment, this project has not only provided a space of dignity for grieving parents but has also opened a new chapter in recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of mothers and families in our region,” said Dr Dzowa.
He added that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that maternal mental health is often overlooked, despite the fact that 10-20 percent of women experience mental health conditions during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth.
“In Africa, this issue is compounded by inadequate resources, stigma and the lack of support systems leaving many women to suffer in silence.
“In Zimbabwe, as in many parts of Southern Africa, the need for comprehensive maternal mental health services has never been more critical.
“Statistics from Zimbabwe reveal that 1 in 4 women in the region may experience mental health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, yet mental health services remain woefully underdeveloped.
“Through this collaboration, we are making an important step toward changing that narrative and improving the overall health and wellbeing of mothers and families.”
He added: “as we open the doors of the Bereavement Suite and Transition Ward, let this be a symbol of our commitment to not only improving physical health but also ensuring mental health support is integrated into the very fabric of maternal care in our country and beyond.
“Together, we are taking a crucial step in eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health and building a future where every mother receives the compassionate care she deserves both physically and emotionally.”
a cradle in the Bereavement Suite
S.A.L.T Africa Director, Tafadzwa Meki, who was tearful as she reflected on the projects’ purpose and impact, said this was quite a significant milestone in the journey towards compassionate maternal care.
“The handover of the Bereavement Suite and Transition Ward is not just a moment of celebration, it is a profound acknowledgment of the realities faced by mothers and families in our community.
“The Bereavement Suite serves as 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.
“This room is more than just a physical space, it sanctuary where families can breath, remember and begin the healing process in a compassionate environment. Here they can find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their sorrow,” said Meki.
She also paid tribute to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for being torch bearers in this initiative of bereavement care in maternity hospitals.
“A Transition Ward is essential as well, it represents the first form of post natal care for women who have experienced negative pregnancy of birth outcomes. This space allows for the necessary support and care during a vulnerable time, ensuring that mothers receive the compassionate and medical attention as well that they need to begin their journey towards healing, moving on and considering, maybe, just maybe, having another baby.”
ZGS Director Taremeredzwa Takudzwa Chirewa, said they support various projects annually, adding that art plays an important role in our day to day lives, especially when it comes to mental health.
“I’m very happy that the jury selected this project in particular because of the cross collaboration between the sectors because it shows that we don’t work in silos, we work together, we should just be cognisant of that and consider that in everything that we do.
“Well done to S.A.L.T Africa, I’m glad that we are going to play a role in the life of a mother or family that is going through the worse time in their life, I pray that this multiplies and goes into different spaces across the country and I hope that we include training and teaching for the nurses who are going to be working with these mothers and these families to be able to sensitive and to be able to understand what they are going through at that time,” added Chirewa.
