Background
Early deliveries and newborn mortality rates are high in Mpilo, Zimbabwe. Statistics from 2015 show that out of 800 monthly deliveries, 20% end in premature deliveries, still births and newborn deaths. These deaths are often caused by issues related to malnutrition and STIs/HIV. 50% of the women giving birth each month in Mpilo are adolescents, which means there is a need for a preconception care unit where young people can be offered screening for STIs/HIV and nutrition information before they become pregnant.

About the project
This project was created to improve maternal and newborn health care at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. In order to do this, the project team aimed to establish a preconception care unit at the hospital, enhance the midwives’ knowledge on preconception care and offer these services to youth and women of childbearing age. The project also included raising the community’s awareness about this topic.

Results
So far, the project team has identified an office for the preconception care unit and had stakeholder meetings with the hospital executive and community members to inform them about the project. They are currently sourcing office equipment and a computer, printer and some medical equipment has already been donated to them. A workshop has been held with the hospital’s midwives, who will start working at the preconception care unit once it is launched.