While government encourages pregnant women to go to hospital ahead of time awaiting delivery, health facilities remain under equipped.
Health facilities are battling chronic challenges including lack of equipment and space as well as shortage of staff.
During a sleepover challenge at Malomo Health Centre in Ntchisi, Competition and Fair Trading Commission chief executive officer (CEO) Wezi Malonda could not stop shaking her head in disbelief as she was being briefed by the health centre personnel.
The challenge is part of Mothers Fun Run, a corporate social responsibility project by Nation Publications Limited (NPL) aimed at raising funds which this year will be used to meet some of the equipment needs in health centres within Ntchisi district as well as the district hospital.
“This health centre has two community nurses and 2 nurse technicians who are not enough. We don’t have enough rooms and beds, yet we are encouraging women to come and await labour here. The actual labour ward has two beds such that at times, women deliver on the floor. If they need sutiring, it is done [right] there,” said Masuzgo Muyila, Safe Motherhood Coordinator for Ntchisi District Health Office.
As of Friday night, 31 pregnant women were in the waiting rooms. A few lucky ones sharing a bed while the majority slept on the floor.
Among those on the floor was Ruth Maseleka ,a 20 year-old yet–to-be first time mum. In the early stages to her labour, she lied on her side while groaning.
How long have you been this, Malonda asked her. “8 pm,” she responded with pain and emotions.
After spending a night on a mat, Malonda said, “this was my night’s experience yet it’s someone’s reality.”
Through the sleepover where top women in society will be spending a night at one of the health centres in Ntchisi and the subsequent fun run event in October, NPL seeks to raise 150 million kwacha for the health facilities.