Bounty bags for expectant Mums
Why is this important?
In Zambia there is a high level of infant and maternal mortality. The death rate during pregnancy and labour is 25 times greater than in the United Kingdom. There are a number of reasons for this. Local health clinics are inadequately resourced and the hospitals are significant distances away. In addition, many women do not attend due to fear of medical services.
The main support offered is the provision of “Bounty bags”, with items of baby clothiing and other items. These are given to women as an incentive for them to attend the clinic for ante-natal and post-natal check ups. Support has also been given to provide accommodation for women to stay at the clinic in the weeks leading up to their expected date of delivery.
The clinic at Kabulamema has demonstrated the value of this project, by achieving a high attendance rate and negligible neo-natal and maternal deaths. There has also been an increase in attendance at the clinic for baby vaccinations.
Currently, the Trust supports two clinics in Kabulamema and Mumbeji, but requests have been received to expand this provision to other rural areas.
