Government data shows women and children on decline in Zimbabwe

United Nations, New York, 25 November 2009 - UNICEF together with the Government of Zimbabwe today released new social development data which revealed a worsening situation for women and children in Zimbabwe.
The Multiple Indicator and Monitoring Survey (MIMS), which was conducted in May 2009, reported a deterioration in access to many key social services for women and children, particularly for the poorest populations and in rural areas.
According to the UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Peter Salama, everyday in Zimbabwe, 100 children below five years of age are dying of mostly preventable diseases. Major causes of death of children under 5 are HIV/AIDS, newborn disorders, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
The survey also showed startling data that 1 in 2 pregnant women in rural areas were now delivering at home. The new findings confirm the result of previous research indicating that user fees and other financial barriers are limiting womens access to life-saving obstetric services.

News story:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33067&Cr=Zimbabwe&Cr1=

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• United Nations
• UN
• UNICEF
• Zimbabwe
• Human rights
• MIMS
• Social development
• Social services
• Women and children
• Peter Salama
• HIV/AIDS
• Survey