Community Health Workers Bringing Lifesaving Care Closer to Mothers (Strengthening Community Health Systems)

A Lifeline for a Pregnant Mother in Ntosa-Nkhotakota

At Ntosa, Our Community Health Worker(CHW) Thoko  conducted a routine home visit to a pregnant woman in her third trimester. The mother, who had missed two antenatal appointments due to transport challenges, was experiencing swelling and fatigue.

After carefully assessing her condition , Thoko identified possible signs of gestational hypertension. Understanding the risk, she immediately referred the mother to the nearest health center and escorted her the next morning.

This timely referral prevented potential complications such as pre-eclampsia.She is now fully back on schedule with her antenatal care and is expected to have a safe delivery.

Connecting Women to Care Through Mobile Clinics in Bua

Meanwhile in Bua, CHW Loveness identified a  mother who had not attended any antenatal checkups at all. Living far from the nearest facility, the woman believed she had “no option” and that “God would take care of her.”Loveness encouraged her and personally accompanied her to Njira Impact’s mobile outreach clinic, which was operating that day in her village. At the clinic, she received:First ANC screening,HIV testing,Nutritional assessment,Iron and folic acid supplements,Safe motherhood counselling.

Through Njira Impact’s support, CHWs are not only providing health education — they are reducing maternal risks, improving early care-seeking behavior, and ensuring no woman is left behind due to distance, cost, or fear.