Annual Report: Mhuri/Imuli Project

The project, implemented by FHI 360, began on February 8, 2018, and is set to conclude on February 7, 2023. The project's geographic focus is on seven districts in Manicaland Province and eight provinces of Zimbabwe, excluding Matabeleland South and Mashonaland Central Provinces. The project's primary objective is to enhance the quality and accessibility of MNCH and FP services, particularly in rural areas. To achieve this goal, FHI 360 has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC). The project's scope includes the provision of technical assistance, direct service delivery, and capacity building for healthcare workers. One of the key interventions implemented by the project is on-the-job training (OJT) for healthcare workers. During the reporting period, 430 healthcare workers from 44 of the 71 USG-supported facilities received training in at least one complete module. Additionally, 11 healthcare workers from three provinces completed long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARCs) practicums and were certified to provide services. The project also supported maternal and perinatal audit meetings, with 44 district meetings held across the province. These meetings aimed to improve the quality of care provided to pregnant women and newborns. Furthermore, 250 Village Health Workers (VHWs) in community case management received malaria community case management (MCCM) training, integrated with COVID-19 and gender awareness. The project also introduced the e-partograph system at Rusape District Hospital, which enables patient monitoring using electronic records. Additionally, a series of eight radio shows were hosted on Diamond FM, a local radio station in Manicaland Province, to address key MNCH/FP, gender, malaria, and essential service availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools development, data analysis, and use were also supported. The MoHCC Family Health Unit was assisted in printing the revised delivery register and monthly return form, which was piloted in Manicaland Province. Furthermore, 12 USS machines were procured for the introduction of early USS at lower-level facilities, with four of these purchased with FHI 360 funds. The project's achievements in the reporting period include: * A total of 37,841 women delivered in a health facility, exceeding the annual target. * Uterotonics were provided to 99% of women in the third stage of labor, surpassing the target. * Resuscitated 88% (1,097/1,250) newborns delivered in health facilities who were not breathing at birth. * Initiated 94% (n=2,746) of low-birth-weight babies on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), exceeding the target. * Screened 100% (282,683) of individuals with fever for malaria using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). * Provided 29,686 newborns with postnatal care within two days of childbirth. * Provided 19,658 children with DPT3 by 12 months of age. * Treated 98.5% (n=22,138) cases of child diarrhea. * Provided 70,003 clients with FP/RH counseling and 63,164 took FP method, with 37% of clients opting for LARCs. * Generated 103,364 couple years of protection (CYPs). * An estimated 1 million people reached with SBCC messages through DIAMOND FM. The project's achievements demonstrate its commitment to improving MNCH and FP services in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas. The project's interventions have contributed to improved health outcomes, increased access to quality care, and enhanced capacity building for healthcare workers.