In our Safe Motherhood Programme, we provided direct, one-on-one, monthly support to pregnant women in the community, helping them feel better supported, providing quality advice and counseling, and helping them access better care from the government. It’s been met with great feedback from the women of the community, who for the first time are being guided through a difficult time and being supported in their decision taking processes. It has led to increases in antenatal check-ups, mother and neo-natal vaccinations, and births attended by a trained health professional. This all helps protect their health, increasing her immunity and reducing rates of childhood illness. Breast-feeding and nutrition counseling is helping babies be better nourished and reducing rates of child malnutrition.
