Malawi’s maternal mortality rate is high, with 381 women dying per 100,000 live births. Due to lack of access to nearby health facilities, only 51% of expectant women receive the recommended antenatal care clinic visits during pregnancy, and only 42% of mothers receive postnatal care within 2 days of childbirth. Home birth attendants do not have formal training, lack skills to handle complications, and cannot adequately provide HIV testing or administer medication to prevent viral transmission from mother to newborn. Women in Malawi need access high quality care and trained nurses in order to safely deliver their babies.

ODW partnered with the Tigwirane Manja Foundation (TMF) to construct a Maternity Home in Mvugo Village, a rural community located 20 kilometers from the nearest health facility. The Maternity Home will offer a safe and hygienic environment for women to give birth with the support of trained health professionals; administer HIV testing and treatment in order to minimize transmission; and provide antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and newborns. TMF estimates that 1,000 mothers will receive services at the Maternity Home each year. With construction nearly complete, the center has already been able to provide healthcare services to 450 community members!