Zimbabwe’s New Mothers Confront Extortion for Child Health Cards
In Zimbabwe, new mothers are encountering severe difficulties obtaining Child Health Cards, crucial for tracking their infants’ health, due to an artificial shortage of these documents. Instead of receiving these cards for free, desperate mothers are forced to pay bribes to clinic workers. Acknowledging systemic issues, health officials cite supply chain failures and economic pressures as contributing factors to this ongoing crisis.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, new mothers are confronting an alarming situation regarding the acquisition of Child Health Cards, essential documents meant to track their infants’ growth, vaccinations, and medical histories. First-time mother Connie Jowa, along with other women in a crowded clinic, finds the cards unavailable despite being crucial for managing her baby’s health. The cards, intended to be free, have become inaccessible in public hospitals, prompting a black market where clinic personnel sell them for under-the-table payments.
The Child Health Cards’ absence has created a challenging environment for mothers. Each clinic visit without a card necessitates a new inquiry into the child’s medical history, which can cause distress and confusion for parents. Reports indicate that since July 2024, the cards have been missing from facilities, leading to a scenario where desperate mothers are compelled to pay informal fees to obtain them. The situation reveals significant issues within a health care system struggling to support its most vulnerable citizens.
Simbarashe James Tafirenyika, leader of the Zimbabwe Municipality’s Nurses and Allied Workers Union, highlighted that the cards, upon arrival, are sold discreetly by lower-level staff. Proceeds from this illicit activity enrich individuals rather than the government, with a reported price of $5 per card. Many mothers report not receiving adequate documentation of their children’s vaccinations, relying instead on makeshift notes or memory.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledges an irregular supply of the cards. Prosper Chonzi, the City of Harare’s health director, noted that complaints regarding forced purchases indicate exploitation by clinic employees who capitalize on the shortage. The shortage coincides with the reintroduction of maternity fees in public hospitals, a concerning shift for mothers who are already facing financial strains.
The health care system in Zimbabwe is grappling with significant challenges, including an economic crisis that has led to rising corruption. According to a study by Transparency International, a significant percentage of individuals encountered demands for bribes when seeking health services. Pressures related to high inflation have led some health workers to seek additional income through illicit means, exacerbating an already troubling situation.
Community activist Prudence Hanyani argues that such changes will disproportionately affect women, compounding existing financial pressures. She advocates for the free provision of maternal health services, deeming it a societal necessity.
Personal accounts illustrate these hardships vividly. Valerie Shangwa, a mother lacking a Child Health Card, expressed frustration over the inconvenience and potential inaccuracies when documenting her child’s health. Donald Mujiri, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, attributed the scarcity of cards to supply chain inefficiencies and highlighted the need for improved resource mobilization. In the meantime, mothers like Faith Musinami find themselves in desperate situations, resorting to paying informal fees to acquire cards that should be free.
The challenges faced by new mothers in Zimbabwe regarding Child Health Cards highlight significant systemic issues within the health care sector. The artificial shortage of these essential documents has led to a troubling shadow market, where mothers are forced to pay bribes. As economic pressures escalate, the child health system’s integrity remains compromised, leaving vulnerable populations in distress. Advocates are calling for better access to healthcare as a fundamental necessity for society.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwean.co
