Zimba Town Council Director of Health Services, Dr. Milimo Kayawa, has described the construction of a maternity annex under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and a mothers’ shelter by Non-Governmental Organisation On-Call Africa in Mapatizya as a significant milestone in improving maternal healthcare.
Dr. Kayawa stated that the development represents a major physical transformation that government has delivered to the people of Mapatizya and surrounding areas.
She explained that the new facility will allow expectant mothers to stay closer to the health centre, ensuring safer deliveries and access to proper maternal care.
Dr. Kayawa further revealed that the maternity annex and mothers’ shelter will serve at least 10 rural health centres in the area, enhancing healthcare delivery across the district.
She added that the maternity annex is equipped with both an antenatal clinic and a labour ward, making it easier for medical personnel to provide timely and efficient care to expectant mothers.
Dr. Kayawa noted that the availability of these facilities is expected to significantly reduce cases of home deliveries, which often pose risks to both mothers and babies.
Meanwhile, Government, through the CDF, has constructed the mothers’ shelter, while On-Call Africa is currently undertaking rehabilitation works at Mapatizya Clinic to further improve healthcare services in Zimba District.