then 'Add to home screen'
then 'Add to home screen'
Zimbabwe has launched a new mobile platform designed to support child health and early development, becoming the first country in Africa to introduce a fully localised national parenting application.
The app, called Rerai Umntwana, was developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in partnership with UNICEF Zimbabwe and digital health stakeholders. It is designed to support parents and caregivers from pregnancy until a child reaches six years of age.
A Digital Companion for Parents
Rerai Umntwana provides personalised guidance based on a child’s age and developmental stage. After registering, parents receive tailored information covering maternal health, nutrition, early learning, and child protection.
The app also includes tools that allow caregivers to track developmental milestones, monitor growth, and access expert backed parenting advice.
Its goal is simple but significant: place reliable child health guidance directly in the hands of families rather than relying solely on clinic visits.
Health Monitoring and Preventive Care
One of the core features of Rerai Umntwana is its ability to support routine child health monitoring.
Parents receive automated reminders for immunisations, vitamin supplements, and health checkups aligned with Zimbabwe’s national health schedule.
This is expected to improve preventive care compliance, particularly in communities where access to healthcare information can be inconsistent.
Designed for Zimbabwean Realities
Unlike global parenting apps, Rerai Umntwana was built specifically for Zimbabwe’s context.
It is available in English, Shona, and Ndebele, ensuring accessibility across different communities. The app also works offline, allowing families in low connectivity areas to access content without continuous internet access.
The name itself combines Shona and Ndebele words meaning “nurture the child,” reflecting its focus on early childhood development.
Part of a Wider Digital Health Push
The launch signals a broader shift toward digital public health tools in Zimbabwe.
Authorities say the platform complements community health programmes by extending support beyond clinics into households, where everyday parenting decisions shape long term outcomes.
Globally, UNICEF has deployed similar digital parenting tools, but Zimbabwe’s version is among the first to be fully localised to national health systems, languages, and cultural contexts.
Why It Matters
Early childhood development remains a major public health priority, particularly in addressing nutrition gaps, developmental delays, and preventable illnesses.
By delivering trusted information through a mobile platform, Rerai Umntwana aims to improve parental knowledge, strengthen preventive healthcare practices, and support healthier outcomes during a child’s most critical early years.
The launch represents a growing trend in Africa toward using mobile technology not just for communication, but as a frontline tool for public service delivery.
