Malawi to launch $11.5M emergency transport service for rural mothers
Plans are underway to expand the program to other African countries, including Kenya, as part of broader efforts to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals for maternal health.
LILONGWE, Malawi— A lifesaving maternal transport system is set to launch in Malawi, backed by $11.5 million in funding from the Vodafone Foundation, USAID, and other donors, writes Esther Banda.
The m-mama initiative, already successful in Tanzania and Lesotho, aims to reduce Malawi's high maternal mortality rate by providing emergency transport for pregnant women in remote areas experiencing childbirth complications.
"The confirmation of funding for m-mama in Malawi is a major step towards improving maternal healthcare," said Joakim Reiter, Chief External Affairs Officer for Vodafone Group.
The Vodafone Foundation has committed $6 million, matched by $1 million from USAID and $4.5 million from local partners.
The program's sustainability will depend on the Malawian government covering annual operational costs of approximately $300,000.
In Tanzania and Lesotho, the service has reduced maternal deaths by over 25%, transporting more than 100,000 women and newborns to healthcare facilities.
"This is a critical step towards reducing maternal deaths in Malawi, and we are committed to ensuring its success," said Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda.
The initiative recruits and trains local drivers to provide emergency transport, addressing a critical gap in rural healthcare access.
Health experts anticipate similar success in Malawi, where many women face significant barriers to reaching medical facilities.
"We are excited to see this service expand to Malawi. It's a much-needed solution for our rural communities," said Dr. Mary Phiri, a Lilongwe-based maternal health expert.
Plans are underway to expand the program to other African countries, including Kenya, as part of broader efforts to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals for maternal health.