City of Harare Records Over 11 000 Births in First Half of 2026

The City of Harare recorded more than 11,000 births across its 12 polyclinics during the first half of 2026, underscoring the vital role of the City's health facilities in providing safe maternal and newborn healthcare. City Health Matron, Last Mutandwa said the deliveries were recorded across the municipality's four health districts, with the City's polyclinics continuing to provide comprehensive maternity services to thousands of women, including those from outside Harare. She said Mabvuku Polyclinic has expanded its maternity services to include Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries, helping to decongest referral hospitals and improve access to emergency obstetric care. Between January and July 2026, the facility performed 530 C-sections, comprising 372 emergency and 158 elective procedures. Matron Mutandwa also revealed that about 530 babies were born before arrival (BBA) at health facilities during the same period, exposing both mothers and newborns to avoidable health risks. She urged pregnant women to book early for antenatal care, attend all scheduled clinic visits, avoid traditional herbs that may cause complications, and deliver at recognised health facilities where skilled healthcare workers and emergency obstetric services are available. "The City remains committed to ensuring every mother and newborn receives timely, safe and quality maternity care. Early antenatal booking, regular clinic visits and delivery at a health facility remain the safest ways to protect the lives of mothers and their babies," said Matron Mutandwa.