The Majete Epicenter in Malawi welcomed its first birth–a baby girl. Alifa Symon’s daughter, Mary, was first birth ever at the epicenter, and in turn symbolizes the rebirth of the community.
Before The Hunger Project’s health intervention at the Chibwarizo Village, a partner village of Majete Epicenter, mothers were forced to travel 20 kilometers through bumpy terrain to give birth at a nearby partner village. This arduous journey was necessary, as it was the closest clinic. As a result, two expectant mothers were lost every year according to Village Headman Chibwarizo. Alifa herself made the journey three times before giving birth to Mary.
“We had come to accept the reality of our situation. Expectant mothers dying on the way to the hospital was the worst option for us,” Chibwarizo said.
“Such cases have been distracting all of us from taking the perilous journeys; no wonder people started giving birth within their homes though knowing that too was a recipe for disaster. For leaders, we could not do more. How could you encourage people to go the hospital in such a situation?”
With Alifa and Mary as shining examples, the community can look forward to future deliveries, with both mother and child out of harm’s way.
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