By Newton Kalua
We have finally come to a close of our entry meetings as planned, and all teams from all the districts health leaders are upbeat about pushing forward the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐧’𝐬 agenda.
Mangochi was the final destination of the sessions, and participation was top notch again as the other two districts; Ntchisi and Kasungu, and the team made a very positive input on how we can continue to roll together as a team for the betterment of the frontline healthcare workers and women users of the maternity section when it comes to 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐇.
The district’s Water Development Officer, James Manda, indicated that the campaign will erode retrogressive attitudes towards WASH, specifically at maternity.
“There is a tendency where people; both women community users and health care workers, mostly work in isolation not as a team when it comes to WASH and 𝐌𝐍𝐂𝐇. We hope this campaign will make us unite and be proactive not reactive in handling of things as we have mostly been. Community structures don’t collaborate and raise the issues surrounding the topic during various crucial community meetings, and champion proposed solutions. On the other hand, top district authorities need to also form one solid force to champion this campaign by raising issues in important spaces as decision makers,” lamented Manda.
In a complimentary tone, Angela Makwangwala, IPC Coordinator for the district, as well as Jalasi Health Centre Maternity In-Charge, Paul Chimphango, also echoed a unison note and the need for passion and empathy in taking care of WASH and 𝐌𝐍𝐂𝐇 facilities so that they are sustainable.
The concept of ask, listen and act will be crucial as it will help to; mobilise trainees, organise them and make them boldly engage responsible authorities for 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞!
Watch the space!
The images testify the process:
