Extortion of New Mothers for ‘Free’ Child Health Cards in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, new mothers are facing extortion for Child Health Cards, which are supposed to be free. Due to a shortage created by inefficiencies and corruption within the healthcare system, many mothers are forced to purchase these essential cards, complicating their ability to track their baby’s health. Economic pressures have exacerbated this issue, highlighting significant flaws in the medical infrastructure.

In Harare’s Mabvuku suburb, first-time mothers, like Connie Jowa, experience difficulties obtaining Child Health Cards necessary for tracking their infants’ growth, vaccinations, and health history. Despite being designed as free documents, these health cards have become scarce, pushing mothers to resort to a shadow market where they can be purchased illicitly for around $5, according to various reports.

This shortage has been prevalent since July 2024, affecting both central hospitals and 42 clinics in Harare, even as the producers claim to be meeting demand. Harriet Matinenga, a nurse, reveals the systemic issues, as the cards are often sold by nurse aides rather than distributed properly, allowing those involved to pocket significant amounts of money with no benefits to government coffers.

Typically, every mother receives a Child Health Card at birth, but many are left tracking their babies’ health records on disconnected notes. As clinic workers exploit the crisis, the majority of mothers express frustration over the inconsistency and lack of information regarding their children’s vaccinations.

The Ministry of Health admits there have been persistent supply problems, and there are reports of payments required for what should be free cards. Additionally, a resurgence of maternity fees in public hospitals is now compromising previous achievements in maternal health care, as over one million women had benefited from free services between 2011 to 2024 under a special financing scheme.

Economic pressures and high inflation have bred an environment conducive to corruption, with 74% of survey respondents in a 2021 study claiming they were asked for bribes for health services. A community activist warns that the financial burdens on women during childbirth are intense due to rising costs.

Mothers like Valerie Shangwa struggle without Child Health Cards despite giving birth at private institutions, leading to inaccurate health tracking for their children. Industry experts confirm there are no shortages from official suppliers, suggesting that healthcare facilities are failing to act.

Spokespersons for the Ministry attribute the card shortage to inefficiencies in supply chains rather than the quantity produced. Efforts are now required to enhance resource mobilization and strengthen procurement processes, yet many mothers continue to face the dilemma of having to purchase these essential documents for their newborns.

The situation surrounding Zimbabwe’s Child Health Cards illustrates the critical challenges faced within the healthcare system, including corruption, supply chain inefficiencies, and economic pressures. With mothers forced to navigate a shadow market for essential health documents meant to be free, the implications for maternal and child health are significant. Efforts for systemic reform are essential to ensure mothers and their infants receive the healthcare support they deserve.

Original Source: www.thezimbabwean.co