WVM to fight maternal, child deaths in Ntchisi
World Vision Malawi (WVM), with funding from the Government of Japan, plans to roll out a K1.3 billion (about $3.2m) three-year project aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rate in Ntchisi.
Twelve health facilities and approximately a population of 237 000 people are expected to benefit. The project, co-funded by World Vision Japan, will among other things improve health facilities and build the capacity of health staff and community.
Briefing Ntchisi District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting on Monday, WVM programme manager Alfred Mang’ando said the project seeks to improve the health status of about 28 000 women of child bearing age and over 16 000 children under the age of two in the district by 2015.
“The project will buy two ambulances, construct four staff houses, water systems in five health centres, three maternity wings, six guardian shelters, install electricity in five health centres and supply hospital equipment in all the 12 health centres,” Mang’ando told the meeting.
Ntchisi District Hospital spokesperson Bwanalori Mwamlima said the project will help improve maternal and child health services in the district.
“Many health facilities don’t have good infrastructure. We only have two running ambulances to cater for the whole district, no radio communication and a shortage of skilled staff in facilities located in remote areas. This project will solve some of these problems,” said Mwamlima.
World Vision Japan programme manager, Hiroko Yabusaki, disclosed that the project is expected to be launched on April 23.
