Dedza chiefs commend programme for cash transfers

Traditional leaders in Senior Chief Kachindamoto in Dedza have commended Result Based Financing for Maternal and Neonatal Health (RBF4MNH) for cash payments given to pregnant women to access maternal health care.

RBF4MNH, an initiative of government with financial support from German and Norway governments, gives up to K7 000 to each pregnant woman to cater for transport costs to health facilities and buying materials such as basins required during delivery.

Speaking on Friday during road shows RBF4MNH conducted in the area, group village head (GVH) Chikomba said pregnant women in his community were giving birth at traditional birth attendants (TBAs) as they could not afford transport to health facilities.

“We have all along appreciated the importance of sending pregnant women to deliver at the hospital. However, it has been difficult for poor villagers considering that health facilities are located far,” he said.

Chikomba’s sentiments were echoed by GVHs Ndindi, Bwanali, Kakhome and Kabulika, who said TBAs continued practising despite government ban because their services were still on demand.

RBF4MNH communications officer Charity Roka said the road shows sought to enhance community awareness on the importance of delivering at the hospital.

“We also wanted to encourage local and religious leaders to take part in influencing pregnant women to deliver at the hospital,” said Roka.