Local mental health organization Someone Always Listens To You (S.A.L.T) has officially opened a newly refurbished grieving room at the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing of Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The space is dedicated to provide comfort and mental health support to parents mourning the loss of a child at birth.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony held in Harare, S.A.L.T Director Tafadzwa Meki explained the importance of the bereavement suite.
"This room is more than just a physical space; it is a sanctuary where families can grieve, remember, and begin the healing process in a compassionate environment. Here, they can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their sorrow," Meki said
She also highlighted the significance of the transition ward, which serves as the first form of postnatal care for women who have experienced adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes.
"The ward provides a supportive environment where mothers can receive the compassion and medical attention they need during this vulnerable time," she said
While discussing the project's financial aspects, Meki remarked, "Is this a million-dollar project? No, but its impact will resonate far beyond financial measures. It will touch the lives of countless families across Zimbabwe, fostering an environment where maternal mental health is recognized and prioritized."
The project was financed by the Zimbabwe German Society, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the pressing needs of bereaved parents.
Losing a child is a traumatic experience, and studies indicate that bereaved mothers face heightened risks of mental health issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Feelings of guilt and isolation are common, particularly in cultures where discussing pregnancy loss remains a taboo.
Many women suffer in silence, lacking the necessary support to process their grief.
Gamuchirai Goredema, a mother who received psychosocial support from S.A.L.T, shared her experience.
"When I lost my child, they put me in a ward where mothers who had their babies successfully were. I heard one of the mothers complaining that she couldn't go to the toilet because the person beside me lost a child. What if she steals my baby?" Goredema said.
According to mental health statistics in Zimbabwe, one in four women may experience mental health challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth, yet the country's mental health services remain severely underdeveloped.
Dr. Macmillan Dzowa, Acting Clinical Director of the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals who officiated at the handover ceremony described the initiative as a landmark achievement for Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
"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, 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 and eradicating stigma around mental health challenges. This was made possible 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 addressing maternal mental health needs in our region," Dzowa said.
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The World Health Organization estimates that maternal mental health issues affect 10-20% of women during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum.
In Africa, these challenges are often exacerbated by inadequate resources and cultural stigma, leaving many women to endure their suffering in silence.
The establishment of the grieving room at Parirenyatwa Hospital marks a critical step towards improving maternal mental health services in Zimbabwe.
