During 2024, Innscor Africa Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) banner reaffirmed its commitment to community health through a successful partnership with the Parirenyatwa Hospital Children’s Trust and the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.. This collaboration went a long way in assisting with rehabilitating the Mbuya Nehanda Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (iKMC) Unit. This initiative underscores the critical importance of neonatal care in reducing infant mortality rates in Zimbabwe.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need
Zimbabwe has high neonatal mortality rates, particularly among preterm infants, due to resource constraints and limited access to specialized care. The Mbuya Nehanda iKMC unit provides an innovative solution: a mother-led care approach in which preterm babies are nursed directly on their mother’s chest instead of in traditional incubators. This method keeps the baby warm, facilitates microbiome transfer, and reduces stress for both mother and infant.
This approach has a significant impact, potentially reducing neonatal mortality rates by half within five years. It aligns with the Ministry of Health’s vision of creating one of Africa’s best neo-natal care units through sustainable innovation.
Strategic Investments and Rehabilitation Efforts
Prodairy’s partnership included investments in critical equipment and general maintenance of the unit, ensuring its operational efficiency. The initiative aimed to optimize care for preterm newborns, enhancing their chances of survival and future development. By integrating these efforts with advanced healthcare practices, the iKMC unit now stands as a flagship example of public-private partnerships in healthcare.
Community and National Impact
The iKMC unit is more than just a healthcare facility—it symbolizes hope for thousands of families across Zimbabwe. By prioritizing immediate kangaroo care within two hours of birth, the facility improves outcomes for vulnerable infants while promoting maternal-infant bonding.
Moreover, this project highlights the role of corporate entities like Prodairy in bridging healthcare gaps. The initiative exemplifies how businesses can contribute to public health while fostering community goodwill and trust.
The Road Ahead
The Mbuya Nehanda iKMC unit sets a precedent for future healthcare collaborations in Zimbabwe. As Prodairy and the Ministry of Health continue to collaborate, the focus will be on scaling similar projects nationwide to ensure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to life-saving neonatal care.
