Community members in Traditional Authority (T/A)  Chimombo in Nsanje District have welcomed the construction of a health post in the area, saying it will promote safe motherhood.

In an interview on Tuesday, Maria Paul from Jambasa Village said most women were giving birth with the help of traditional birth attendants.

She said: “Pregnant women have to travel to Ndamera or Mbenje health centres, located about seven and 10 kilometres [km], respectively.

“It has been difficult to access health services during the rainy season due to flooding of rivers.”

The health post project underway in Nsanje

Fainess Yohane from Bedi Village said the health post will encourage women to take their children to access under-five services, including immunisation.

T/A Chimombo said he was pleased with the project implemented through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (Gesd) Project.

He said: “Sometimes people walk to Mbenje Health Centre only to find out that there is no medicine. Imagine walking 10km without any assistance? 

“So, the health post will also facilitate implementation of by-laws that no woman should give birth at home but at a health facility.”

According to Nsanje District Social Economic Profile 2017-2022, in 2017, at least 96 out of 100 000 women died due to maternal death.

Chimombo Health Post project which comprises staff houses is, is constructed with funding from Gesd to the tune of K38 million.

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