In 2024, Prodairy, under Innscor Africa Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) banner, reaffirmed its commitment to community health through a groundbreaking partnership with the Parirenyatwa Hospital Children’s Trust. This collaboration led to the rehabilitation of the Mbuya Nehanda Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (iKMC) Unit, an initiative that underscores the critical importance of neonatal care in reducing infant mortality rates in Zimbabwe.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need
Zimbabwe faces 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 where preterm babies are nursed directly on their mother’s chest instead of traditional incubators. This method not only keeps the baby warm but also facilitates microbiome transfer and reduces stress for both mother and infant.
The impact of this approach is significant, with the potential to reduce neonatal mortality rates by half within five years. This aligns with the Ministry of Health’s broader vision of creating one of Africa’s best neonatal 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 is a symbol of 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 goodwill and trust within their communities .
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 work together, the focus will be on scaling similar projects nationwide to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to life-saving neonatal care.
