Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, April 9, Mana: In the heart of Senior Chief Makanjira in Salima District, a quiet but powerful change has unfolded, one that promises to save lives and transform the health landscape for women. For decades, women in this rural area have faced unimaginable hardships when it comes to accessing maternity care.

Women walked up to 20 kilometers, sometimes in labor, to reach the nearest health center. Tragically, some never made it, giving birth on the side of the road or losing their lives due to lack of timely medical attention.

Mbochele Ndaziona, 28 year's old lady from Kwineng'ene Village, narrated her struggles from the past when she was in labour but had to brace the 20 kilometers to reach Khombedza health center.

"It was the most horrific experience in my entire life, to find transportation was a huge challenge at that time because only vehicles were used as transportation unlike these days were motorcycles are locally found, then we had to wait for taxi's which were very expensive," she narrated.

She vividly remembered how she slept on the roadside with her mother by her side waiting for well-wishers to offer themselves to drop her off at the hospital, being her first pregnancy she says it was difficult to recognize the onset of labour pains, hence the delay in traveling to the hospital.

In her words upon reaching the hospital she was assisted fortunately everything went well and she did not encounter any major challenges due to the delay in seeking maternity care, the baby made it in good health.

Litinesi Abdul 30, from the same village also narrates how giving birth was more than a life altering event, it was often a life threatening ordeal. We faced a grueling and sometimes dangerous journey while in labor. The long walk, sometimes with no form of transportation, was a test of endurance and willpower.

But now, there is hope, a new health facility, will alleviate these agonizing challenges. This facility, strategically located within reach of the community, has brought maternity care closer to the women of Senior Chief Makanjira, ensuring safer deliveries and healthier futures for mothers and babies alike.

Summarizing the agonizing ordeals of his people, Senior Chief Makanjira attests that the upcoming health facility is more than just a building, it represents a lifeline to thousands of women who have long been denied the most basic health services.

"With its strategic location, the facility will provide comprehensive maternity services, from antenatal care to safe deliveries, all within the community’s reach. I remember one woman, she was in labor and had no way to get to the hospital,” recalls Makanjira.

He adds: “She walked for hours, but when she finally arrived, it was too late. She gave birth on the road, and the baby didn’t make it. She passed away shortly after.”

For Senior Chief Makanjira, this new health facility is more than just a building it is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to make a difference, when governments, NGOs, and local leaders unite to provide a safer, healthier future for all.

He says these stories were not isolated incidents. The lack of nearby maternity care contributed to high maternal and infant mortality rates in the area, a grim reality that many families had to endure.

“We have seen too many women suffer, too many lives lost, this new facility will make a huge difference. No more women will have to walk miles, risking their lives to get the care they deserve.” he adds.

Esther Chiwenda, a Nursing and Midwifery Technician for Mnema health center, says the facility has been equipped with modern medical equipment, staffed by trained professionals, and designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

"The facility will also offer postnatal care, ensuring that both mothers and babies receive the attention they need in the critical days following childbirth.

She highlights that the benefits of the new facility extends far beyond just safer deliveries. For women in this community, it means they no longer have to choose between risking their life and giving birth in uncertain conditions.

"They can now look forward to prenatal visits with trained healthcare professionals, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy, the fear of dying in childbirth is real for many women here, but now, the will be able to deliver in a hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses," she says.

In addition to maternity care, the facility will serve as a hub for maternal education, equipping women with the knowledge they need to take charge of their health and well-being. Local health workers will be trained to offer guidance on nutrition, family planning, and early child development, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire families and future generations.

In his sentiments, Director of Public Works at Salima District Council, Harris Kumwenda has commended Performance Based Grant (PBG) being supported by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) for enhancing collaboration and accountability among sectors.

Kumwenda explains how Salima District Council ensures it qualifies for the Performance-Based Grant after being assessed through Local Authority Performance Assessments (LAPA).

Kumwenda cites an example of the first project that Salima District Council implemented through the first grant that the district received under GESD, the K460 Million, Mnema Maternity wing, which is a pride of the district council's strong collaboration amongst sectors.

"Construction of Mnema maternity required essential facilities such as staff houses, a dispensary, water tank and proper toilets, for it to be certified as a proper health facility that can offer quality services to the community," he says.

Mnema maternity wing was officially opened by the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on February 16th 2025, heightening the joy of Mnema community, as it is a symbol of progress, compassion, and the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, mothers and children.

In total about K800 million has been disbursed to Salima District Council for three GESD cycles, from 2021/2022 cycle to 2023/2024 cycle for implementation of various projects including Mnema maternity wing.