Safe Motherhood Unit
Empowering Mothers, Improving Lives: The Safe Motherhood Unit Project
Making a Difference in M'bang'ombe
Our project aims to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring healthy families for generations to come. We achieve this by establishing a Safe Motherhood Unit (SMU) that provides a safe haven for pregnant women in the critical pre-birth period.
The Challenge
Malawi faces a significant challenge: the highest rate of pre-term births in the world (18.1%) due to factors like persistent malaria, HIV, and malnutrition. This, combined with the lack of in-hospital food and support for expectant mothers, leads to late arrival at the clinic, often only during labour. This increases the risk of complications for both mothers and babies.
Our Vision
We are currently fundraising to push for the final amount needed to complete the second stage of this vital project, building a Safe Motherhood Unit (SMU) at the maternity unit in M'bang'ombe.
A Legacy of Success
Stage one, the opening of the Maternity Unit in 2013, has already been a great success. Monthly births have increased from 20 to 80, highlighting the need for expanded services.
The Safe Motherhood Unit
The SMU will serve as a waiting home for expectant mothers, allowing them to arrive at the clinic earlier and receive crucial support:
- Safe and Secure Environment: Pregnant women have access to a clean and secure living space, promoting well-being and reducing stress.
- Nutritional Support: We address malnutrition through a combination of fresh, organic vegetables grown on-site and nutritional education.
- Prenatal Training: Our programme equips women with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.
- Disease Prevention: Through education and screening, we aim to prevent the transmission of diseases from mother to child.
- Reducing Premature Births and Complications: The SMU promotes healthy habits and early identification of potential risks, leading to fewer premature births and birth-related disabilities.
Sustainable Food and Empowerment:
The SMU fosters self-sufficiency through:
- Organic Vegetable Gardens: Mothers learn permaculture techniques to cultivate a sustainable source of fresh, nutritious food.
- Seed Starter Kits: Upon completing the programme, participants receive a seed starter kit and watering can to continue healthy eating habits at home.
Early Childhood Development and Community Outreach:
Our commitment extends beyond birth. We collaborate with the nearby Maternity ward for early identification of new-borns with special needs and offer ongoing support through Under-5 clinics and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
The SMU welcomes community members seeking assessments on designated days. Those diagnosed with specific needs can access physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy support.
A Call to Action
So far, we have raised over £35,000 of the £50,000 needed, mainly through the efforts of Bryanston School. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and every single person who has contributed.
With your help, we can make a significant impact on the lives of mothers and babies in M'bang'ombe. Please consider supporting our campaign. Together, we can build a healthier future for this community.
Stay Updated
We are starting construction in 2024 and will continue to post updates on our progress here and on social media.
Thank you for your support!