The Most Important Things I've Learned in My Women's Group

Women and Children First’s support for women’s health groups in Malawi has seen women come together to discuss the most important health issues to them.

These issues include HIV transmission from mothers to babies, and the distance women often have to travel to their nearest health clinics.

Adesi, an expectant mother in Malawi, talks about the many solutions her local women’s health group has found to combat these issues.

She begins,

“The two most useful things I’ve learnt are about couples counselling for HIV testing and the benefits of hospital deliveries. We write messages on the walls of our houses to encourage women to go to the health centre to give birth.”

“It’s a long way from the village to the health facility. Because it was difficult to get to, we had a lot of stillbirths in the community.

We lobbied for a bicycle ambulance to take us there, and our campaign was successful. We make monthly contributions to maintain the bicycle ambulance.”

Adesi continues;

“Joining the women’s group has made me aware of the danger signs of complications during pregnancy.”

“The Village Head encourages women to go to the health centre when pregnant. - my husband has accompanied me on the four visits I’ve made to the antenatal clinic.”

Adesi has not only learned the importance of attending health clinics throughout her pregnancy, but other useful information too:

“I’ve learnt about the six food groups, to prevent malnutrition and anaemia, and we keep fit by playing netball together.”

Women and Children First’s support for these women’s health groups in Malawi have offered vital life-lines for women in danger from the illnesses or issues Adesi has mentioned.

This is thanks to our kind donors.

You can continue to support communities like Adesi’s, by donating to Women and Children First.