By Shingirai Vambe
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched two projects worth $25 million to improve the lives of mothers, babies, and young women in Zimbabwe. The projects, Mhuri Imuli II and the Sexual Health Services program (SHASHA), aim to expand health services, improve access to family planning education and contraceptive services, and support reproductive health rights.
Mhuri Imuli II will strengthen health services for mothers and babies in five provinces, potentially saving over 800,000 lives and reducing maternal mortality rates by 10%. SHASHA will provide comprehensive family planning services and support to over 1 million women across the country.
The projects align with the Zimbabwean government’s vision to improve access to healthcare services for all citizens by 2030. The government has placed sexual reproductive health and rights high on the national agenda, implementing a national SRH program aimed at providing integrated HIV services and promoting reproductive health.
USAID’s previous projects in Zimbabwe have achieved significant results, including increasing institutional deliveries and measles vaccinations. The new projects will build on these achievements, strengthening healthcare systems and increasing access to family planning services, particularly for young women in underserved areas.
The launch event was attended by Ministry of Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Honourable Sleiman Timios Kwidini, USAID Mission Director Janean Davis, and representatives from implementing partners FHI360 and Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) in Rusape, Makoni District.
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