Our Mother’s Day appeal in 2024 is centred on the story of Thokozani, who attends one of our community health groups in Malawi.
Thokozani talked with our team whilst holding her son, Mishek. They were helped by our groups, thanks to our supporters.
“My name is Thokozani Petro, and my son’s name is Mishek Bulian. We are from the Chasembe group, in Malawi.
“The group (set up by Women and Children First) has assisted me so very much. If I was not a member of this group, I couldn’t have saved the life of my baby.
“I thought that my baby was suffering from coughing and malaria, which prompted me to go to the district hospital (over 9 miles away) on foot. I was assisted with some nutritional supplements, and I walked back to the village.
“The group assisted me with a provision of sugar and of soybean and of maize, which I was able to process to make porridge for my son.
“And because of this my son is now healthier and happier than before.
Supporters like you make the health groups, such as the one Thokozani is a member of, possible.
Thokozani continues, “I am happy with the group because I’m also one of the members who is taking part in doing door to door mobilization of young girls to go to school, and those that are of age to be able to access family planning methods from the Health Surveillance Assistant.
“They can prevent complications over teenage pregnancies, because when they fall pregnant whilst they are young, they can face dangerous consequences such as fistula (an obstruction in labour that can be fatal).
“I really appreciate what the group has done.”
Our work in Malawi
Women and Children First is working with our partners in Malawi to help support mothers, their children, and young women to improved health. This project is led by a consortium of CODE, Farm Radio International, and MSI Reproductive Choices, and is funded by the Government of Canada.
This year over 280 different groups will be meeting across the Ntchisi district in Malawi. They are talking about problems that can kill, harm and hold back mothers and their children - and finding solutions for them. They are talking about issues including malaria, malnutrition, and fistula.
They identify their most critical health problems and work together to find the solutions. These groups, listening to radio programmes about the issues, bring people together.
That includes providing encouragement to mothers like Thokozani to access medical support, which is so far away from their rural, remote communities.
One of our inspiring group leaders speaks at a recent celebration with our partners and supporters. Radio shows help us broaden our reach, enabling us to support more mothers and women.
They work together to give food, improving children’s nutrition. They give information about sexual and reproductive health issues, meaning women can make informed choices about when and how they have children.
The project is already proving to be a success. Patricia, chair of the Mtuwanjovu group says, “People hear information firsthand, knowing it comes from experts. Young women are getting services. It will make progress in the community.”
What Your Support Can Help Achieve
Your support can help us to do more.
With your commitment, we can create more spaces for mothers and young women to discuss their health issues and come up with solutions to their problems.
Donating £25 can help run a community health group for mothers and women for nearly 4 months.
If you can give £15 a month, that could cover the cost for 36 women and mothers-to-be to attend their local health group each month.
Thank you for your generosity this Mother’s Day - and beyond.
Thokozani playing with her son, Mishek, who is now happy and healthy, thanks to the group.