Rural Malawi Leaders Fine Home Births
Malawi has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates, though numbers have fallen in recent years.
MZIMBA, Malawi— Village leaders in rural Malawi say they will fine pregnant women who give birth at home instead of a clinic under new local bylaws aimed at improving maternal health, writes Blessings Kaunda.
Group Village Headman Mphonga Nkhata said Friday that traditional leaders in Mzimba district made the rule to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Women giving birth at home will now be charged one goat.
“We helped them realize the need for pregnant women to seek medical care during pregnancy and birth,” Nkhata said of training by the Malawi Health Equity Network.
“The purpose is to prevent premarital deaths and save children."
Local Mother Care Groups say more women now attend prenatal checkups and get children vaccinated thanks to health education efforts.
Some faith leaders previously discouraged medical care.
“Now more mothers are able to go to the clinic,” said group member Tryness Nyirenda.
She added that even women of faith groups now get children vaccinated.
Mphatso Kamanga of the Malawi Health Equity Network said she is satisfied with the groups' work promoting immunization and reducing maternal deaths.
The network trained local women on health issues.
Kamanga advised leaders to advocate prenatal care and vaccines. She said the bylaws fining home births can boost clinic usage and services.
The program operates in nine Malawi districts to improve access to maternal and child health care.
Efforts include engaging with communities and building new clinics.
Malawi has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates, though numbers have fallen in recent years.