Africa-Press – Eswatini. Nurses across the country have sounded the alarm over a black-market medication known as ‘Masheshisa’, which has been linked to the deaths of three women and the hospitalization of three others in recent weeks.
The drug, whose name loosely translates to “hurry up,” is reportedly being taken by expectant mothers in a bid to fast-track labour and reduce pain during childbirth.
Health professionals say the drug has become increasingly common in informal markets, where it is sold without prescription or professional guidance. It is often presented as a ‘shortcut’ for women eager to avoid long hours of labor, but nurses warn that the substance poses grave risks for both mother and child.
According to nursing staff at Mbabane Government Hospital, three maternal deaths in August were directly linked to complications arising from the use of Masheshisa.
The women, aged between 22 and 31, were admitted with severe bleeding and uterine rupture shortly after consuming the substance.
A senior midwife, who asked not to be named because she is not authorized to speak publicly, said the pattern of complications left little doubt about the cause.
“We are seeing ruptured wombs, heavy haemorrhaging, and cases where the baby goes into distress almost immediately. It is clear this drug is not safe. The tragedy is that women are turning to it believing it will help them, but instead it is killing them,” She said.
In addition to the deaths, three other women remain hospitalized at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital in Manzini. Nurses at the facility confirmed that they are being treated for internal injuries and infections after ingesting the drug.
Health workers describe Masheshisa as a crude mixture whose exact composition is unknown. It is believed to be imported illegally and sold through unregulated vendors in communities and near taxi ranks.
Packaged in unlabelled plastic bags or small bottles, it is marketed as a painkiller or ‘labor booster’
A nurse at Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki said the underground trade in such substances has been growing.
“We know people are selling it to pregnant women, claiming it will make childbirth easier. But there is no medical basis for this. It is purely dangerous and criminal,” she explained.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged reports of maternal deaths linked to the drug. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry confirmed that investigations are underway to trace the source of Masheshisa and to assess its chemical composition.
“The Ministry strongly warns expectant mothers against the use of unregulated and black-market drugs during pregnancy. These substances carry life-threatening risks and compromise maternal and neonatal health outcomes,” the statement read.
The ministry added that law enforcement agencies have been engaged to clamp down on vendors distributing the product.
Despite medical warnings, the belief that labor can be sped up through substances or herbal mixtures remains widespread.
In interviews with Eswatini Sunday, several women acknowledged awareness of Masheshisa and explained why some still turn to it.
Nomsa Dlamini, a mother of two from Nhlangano, said she had heard about the drug but chose not to use it.
“People in my community talk about it as if it is something powerful. They say you won’t struggle in labor and the baby will come quickly.
But I was too afraid to try it. I knew if nurses didn’t recommend it, it must be dangerous,” she said.
Another woman, identified only as Zanele, said peer pressure during her first pregnancy nearly pushed her to consider the drug.
“Older women kept saying, just take Masheshisa and be done.’ It sounded tempting, but my sister warned me. She said real labor cannot be rushed, it is part of the process. I am glad I listened to her,” she explained.
A third mother, Thandeka, admitted that the pressure to avoid prolonged labor is real.
“There is a lot of stigma if you spend two days in the maternity ward. People whisper that your body is weak. So when someone says there is a faster way, many women are curious. But now, after hearing about the deaths, I know it is not worth the risk,” she said.
Medical experts say that tampering with the natural process of labor can have catastrophic consequences.
Obstetricians stress that the only safe interventions are those administered under medical supervision, such as labor-inducing drugs prescribed in hospitals.
Dr. Sipho Nkambule, a gynaecologist in Manzini, said Masheshisa was especially dangerous because its contents are unknown.
“Labor is not just about speed. The body has to prepare gradually for safe delivery. Forcing the uterus to contract unnaturally can lead to ruptures, uncontrolled bleeding, and even death. The risk to the baby is just as serious, including lack of oxygen and brain injury,” he explained. Nkambule urged women to rely on trained professionals during pregnancy and delivery.
Nursing associations have called for stronger public education campaigns to debunk myths around labor and childbirth. They argue that cultural perceptions about “shortcuts” and “quick fixes” contribute to the problem.
“Expectant mothers need to understand that there are no safe shortcuts,” said a representative from the Swaziland Nurses Association. “We must challenge the myths and ensure women know the dangers of black-market drugs.”
Community health workers are expected to play a larger role in spreading awareness at local clinics and antenatal sessions.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed that officers are aware of the illegal distribution of Masheshisa and are working with health authorities to locate suppliers.
“Selling unlicensed and harmful substances is a crime. We are following leads and will make arrests where evidence is found,” she said.
Vilakati urged members of the public to report anyone found selling or promoting the drug.
As investigations continue, health workers say the deaths should serve as a stark warning against experimenting with unregulated substances during pregnancy.
“We do not want to lose more mothers and babies to this. Childbirth is already risky we should not add more danger by trusting myths and street drugs,”said the Mbabane midwife.
For now, the Ministry of Health continues to urge pregnant women to attend regular antenatal care, deliver in health facilities, and follow the guidance of trained professionals rather than relying on harmful shortcuts.
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