By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, April 11, Mana: Medical Assistant for Vibangalala Dispensary in Mzimba South, Wisdom Nyirenda, has described construction of Vibangalala Maternity Wing in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Mzukuzuku as a solution to challenges of safe motherhood expectant women face in the area.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday during a media tour of the area, Nyirongo said the wing, which M’mbelwa District Council has constructed using funds from the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), will help cut costs and medical expenses families used to incur to travel to other medical facilities to access help.

‘‘Here at Vibangalala dispensary, we only run outpatient department as well as antenatal clinic. But, when it comes to delivery, we refer expectant women to other medical facilities such as Embangweni Mission or Mzimba District Hospital.

“While at Embangweni Mission Hospital people pay to access services, services are free of charge at Mzimba District Hospital but they have to foot costs for the travel. So for expectant women around the area, the construction of the Vibangalala maternity wing will help lessen those challenges as we will be helping them right here,’’ said Nyirenda.

He said over 15 expectant women come for antenatal services at the dispensary per week.

Grace Jere from Chimombo Jere Village in T/A Mzukuzuku said it has been costly to deliver in far-flung areas.

‘‘Because of the absence of a maternity wing in the area, most women deliver in other facilities located far away. Two of my kids were delivered at Embangweni Mission Hospital. So the construction of this wing will help cut costs associated with delivering in other hospitals located far off,’’ said Jere.

According to Emmanuel Nkuna, who lives in Andrea Village in the area, there is need to ensure the maternity wing, completed in 2023, is opened.

In a recent interview, M’mbelwa District Council chairperson Morgan Tembo said the council would look for funds to furnish the maternity wing with all necessities for it to open this year.

Speaking on Monday during a review meeting of GESD projects, M’mbelwa Council director of planning and development, Walter Chikuni, said the council will use part of GESD funding that the council has received for the 2023/2024 cycle to buy materials needed for all completed projects under GESD Cycles 2 to be operational.

GESD is a US$100 million World Bank project meant to strengthen district councils’ institutional performance, responsiveness to citizens, and management of resources for service delivery.