Activism is for newborn babies and pregnant women is real in Malawi. Check out what activists are doing in TA Nankumba in saving the lives of mothers and babies.
"When I told my boyfriend that I was pregnant, he denied responsibility. He ran away. I kept the pregnancy, even though I was not able to take care of myself as well as the unborn baby. As my pregnancy progressed I dropped out of school. My family could not support me. I looked for help everywhere but I could not find any," said Ravena Ostini. Ravena is a 23 year-old, single mother. She lives in Mangochi in the area of TA Nankhumba in Cape Maclear. Fortunately, she met Mr. Matewere (pictured above) who introduced himself as a MamaYe activist. After listening to her story, he together with other activists promised to assist. They organized a meeting at the chief’s place where they invited all her relatives. At this meeting they explained the importance of giving her the care that she deserved. The group shared with her the importance of antenatal care and hospital delivery as well as good nutrition in pregnancy.They also asked her relatives to contribute money so that, she could go to the hospital (at 8 months) and wait till she delivered her baby."Without these activists I could have had my baby born at the community which was not safe for both of us, I thank them very much" said Ravena.Apart from Ravena, Robert Matewere and the activists in TA Nankhumba have also assisted 36 other women to go to the hospital for antenatal care and delivery.The area of TA Nankumba has one private hospital but women are not allowed to deliver there. These women need to travel nearly 30 kilometres to access the public health facility at Monkey Bay. This is quite a long distance for a pregnant woman to travel. Transport on a motor bike costs K1000 one way and K2000 return, a cost that most women in the community cannot afford. As a result most women are forced to deliver at home.All they need is a health centre, so that all the women in their community could have access to hospital deliveries.MamaYe activists in this area are working to bring about the change this community require. You too can bring that change in your community!