An Assessment of the Implementation of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (Carmma) in Zimbabwe Between 2010 and 2015

Abstract

This study sought to examine the role of political will in maternal health policy with particular attention on the implementation of CARMMA in Zimbabwe between 2010 – 2015 under the Zimbabwe Cares Campaign in line with CARMMA’s objective that “No Woman Should Die While Giving Birth”. The study employed qualitative research methods. The sample comprised of 17 respondents from health professionals, health activists and the Ministry of Health and Child Care directorate in Harare and Gweru. The research further sought to interrogate how political will expressed itself through the Three Stages of Delay and the Four Pillars of Safe Motherhood as detailed in the Zimbabwe National Maternal and Neonatal Health Road Map 2007-2015 to enhance the success of CARMMA. The study looked into detail on what worked and what did not during the lifespan of the Campaign with a view to inform the structuring, implementation and monitoring of future initiatives. The study revealed that there is a nexus between political will and success of political and development initiatives. The failure to fully implement the CARMMA initiative is directly linked to the political contestations during the Government of National Unity (GNU). However, some positive movement was recorded in the first 3 years of the inception of the Campaign with a decline in interest falling post the 2013 elections when ZANU-PF took over government effectively. This was further compounded by the inability of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, particularly the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Welfare to effectively monitor the Campaign and also in failing to demand accountability from the Government which was largely attributed to lack of technical know-how on monitoring of policies and the general lack of information on the CARMMA initiative. Under the current adverse economic conditions, it was recommended that the government of Zimbabwe must continue to work with other countries, international bodies and UN agencies and various funding partners in policy dialogues, strategic advocacy and community mobilization and in pooling resources for the health sector with a view to increase resources allocated towards maternal health for enhanced outcomes. The role of the civil society was also emphasized in view of fulfilling its mandate in complementing the government in pursuing strategic development goals and initiatives such as CARMMA and to demand accountability on national projects.