NGO donates medical equipment to reduce maternal, neo-natal deaths

Last Mile Health on Thursday donated medical equipment and conducted training for community-based healthcare workers in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts aimed improve maternal and neonatal services.

The organisation’s country director Dalitso Baloyi expressed concern about the persistently rising rate of maternal and neonatal deaths in the country as statistics reveal an alarming figure of over 2,600 maternal deaths occurring annually.

He said: “Our focus lies in improving maternal and child health in the Shire Valley region and to achieve this, we have prioritized enhancing the skills of community health workers.

“We have supplied them with essential tools and resources, including thermometers, scales, and other items, which amount to a value of K32 million.”

Ministry of Health community-based maternal and neonatal care program officer Sophie Nepiyala, urged development partners to assist the government in its efforts to decrease maternal deaths from 439 to 110 per 100,000 live births by the year 2030.

“The country is still grappling with high numbers of maternal and neonatal deaths and the ministry is working hard to reduce the numbers.

“The majority of maternal and infant mortalities result from avoidable causes. With the provision of proper training and essential equipment, community-based healthcare providers will be equipped with the necessary skills to offer comprehensive care to pregnant women during and after childbirth, as well as provide guidance on where to give birth,” she said.