By Esnart Chingwalu

There is hope that infant and maternal deaths will drop in Zomba following interventions by Maternity Worldwide Malawi. 

The organisation is currently implementing a three-year “Enhancing and maintaining maternal and neonatal health in rural Zomba project” in traditional authorities Mwambo and Chikowi.

Speaking to YFM Online, Maternity Worldwide Malawi health coordinator, Rachael Kalima said among others, the organization is proving education to women on the importance of accessing antenatal care services during pregnancy and delivering in a hospital in order to give birth safely.

“We are currently training local mid wives and providing community education on maternal health to the identified 91 women groups in the two traditional authorities of Mwambo and Chikowi,” Kalima said.

“We realized a gap to the increase in deaths of women and infants during delivery which is common in developing countries  including Malawi that’s why we are working under this project to reduce such cases.”

Kalima said the project is also helping women to seek medical care assistance during pregnancy.

“We identify the risks that are there during pregnancy and the right time for the women to seek medical assistance,” she said.

Kalima said the organisation also provides bicycle ambulances to the targeted areas which cater for transport costs for pregnant women and also motivate them to deriver in health facilities.