Harare- IN a significant boost to maternal and child healthcare, Prevail International is spearheading a major renovation project that is expected to reduce infant mortality rate in Zimbabwe.
Drawing inspiration from Florence Nightingale’s legacy of improving hospital conditions, the firm which is led by Presidential Special Advisor on Investments Dr Paul Tungwarara has taken on the transformation of the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Ward and the Adlum House nurses’ residence at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
It is also in line wit the clarion call made by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa for a robust health care system.
The overhaul at Mbuya Nehanda is now 90% complete and health officials say the impact is already being felt particularly in reducing preventable infant deaths.
“The conditions here were deplorable. We used to lose infants due to leaking roofs and poor sanitary facilities. Thanks to Prevail’s intervention, that is changing,” said a midwife during a Thursday site tour. She asked to remain anonymous for fear of violating hospital protocol.
The renovation has created a safer and more hygienic environment for mothers.
Zimbabwe’s infant mortality rate has declined to 32.72 in 2025, a 2.07% drop from 2024.
Meanwhile, focus has also shifted to the Adlum House which is home to the country’s future healthcare workers.
Set to reopen in early September, the residence is undergoing full-scale refurbishment of its 356 rooms now including modern bathrooms on every floor.
“We’ve completed electrical and plumbing works, fixed persistent leakages, and added four extra bathrooms per floor,” said Projects Manager Vanessa Butao.
The once overcrowded and under-resourced residence had been operating at a fraction of its capacity with just 40 students, down from its original 353.
But with restored water systems, eight newly drilled boreholes and a 30,000-litre water reserve full occupancy will soon resume.
To ensure reliable power, Prevail has installed 200 solar panels guaranteeing uninterrupted access to lighting, hot water and security.
Even recreational amenities have not been overlooked, the swimming pool has been refurbished to improve student well-being.
Chill place: The swimming pool under renovations
“Our aim is to improve the lives of nursing students who are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s future healthcare,” Butao added.
Tariro Dondo, the group’s communications officer emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning:
“We plan to extend these life-changing upgrades to rural health facilities nationwide. As Prevail, we follow the President’s mantra — leaving no one and no place behind.”
–
