St John of God Hospitaller Services has secured about K1 billion to promote quality maternal health services in a four-year project set to be implemented in Lilongwe and Mzimba.
The project seeks to empower about 500 mothers who are survivors of mental health-related illnesses to economically uplift them and enable them to contribute positively to the country’s development.
St John of God Hospitaller Services Programmes Manager Christopher Mhone said that through the project, expectant women will be allowed to access medication and mental health services for free at Mzuzu Urban Hospital, eight other health centres in Mzimba North and selected health facilities in Lilongwe.
Mhone disclosed this during an interface with members of Mzimba North District Executive Committee on the project’s overview.
He said the institution conducted a study which revealed a gap where health facilities in the country mostly provide physical assistance to pregnant women, ignoring their mental health.
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“Pregnant women go through harmony issues and social issues. The social issues include being abused by their husbands, miscarriage and social media pressures.
“For example, women nowadays take photos when pregnant preparing to post on social media after delivery. Now the question is what happens when they deliver a stillborn baby? That is why we need mental health services to assist,” Mhone said.
Mzimba North Social Welfare Officer Lickson Ng’ambi said the project’s scope is impressive as it combats stigma and provides access to mental health services for women.
Ng’ambi promised to provide the needed support towards smooth implementation of the project in both Mzuzu City and Mzimba North.
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“Women were not being properly assisted with mental health issues and the arrival of St John of God is a relief to many of them.
“In addition, we hear the project will empower some of the women who have been assisted with mental health challenges. We need more of this intervention,” Ng’ambi said.
The project, ‘Maternal Mental Health Issues, Support and Combating Stigma’, is funded by Kindernothilfe from Germany.
