With research showing there are no direct increased chances of COVID-19 transmission and complications, the real impact of COVID-19 on maternal health will be felt in two major areas:
lConstrained access to reproductive and maternal healthcare and a subsequent increase in adverse health outcomes.
In countries where COVID-19 pounded, for example United States, the health system was overwhelmed to the extent that maternal health distressed as resources were diverted to combating the spread of the virus.
Zimbabwe, like many other African countries, embarked on a lockdown which saw law enforcement agents manning roadblocks and demanding letters of travel exemptions in order to reduce the movement of people.
Limited resources — Major focus in all health facilities seems to be on COVID-19 care.
Considering the above factors, it is incumbent upon authorities to consider some of the following strategies to mitigate against possible maternal complications:
lHave full-time antenatal clinics with enough staff at all health centres.
