Malawi

‘Bicycle ambulances and ‘secret’ mothers’

The local partner Freshwater Malawi operates in the south of Malawi. In 2010, Freshwater provided the communities here with 12 bicycle ambulances and trained 25 ‘secret’ mothers.

These mothers give advice on a confidential basis to pregnant women in the communities. They encourage the women to have themselves examined by midwives. Activities are directed at facilitating additional healthcare for pregnant women and reducing maternal mortality in the area.

Community based

In addition, Freshwater Malawi has carried out four Community Based Management (CBM) sessions and various awareness campaigns in the communities. This resulted in members of the communities in the region building 11,952 improved toilets in 2010. The communal water facilities became accessible for 1,250 people.

Millenium goals

The Freshwater project successfully contributed to achieving the millennium development goals in these remote areas. The communities were involved in the project from the start and were also provided with sufficient information and practical knowledge on their health. This made them enthusiastic and determined to do what is necessary to improve their health.

Water boards

Simavi continued their cooperation with water company VEI (Vitens-Evidens International) in Malawi to support Water Boards in the cities of Lilongwe and Blantyre. Simavi engaged the services of a consultant to study the feasibility of connecting houses to water in urban areas with low-income groups and micro-financing possibilities. The results of this study will be made available in April 2011.

Simavi continued its collaboration with Water Board Brabantse Delta to find a solution for the sewer system of Nkhoma hospital. The collaboration was also extended with the exchange of information and discussions with the Malawi Medisch Werk team (Medical Working Team - MMWT), which is also involved in the redevelopment of the same hospital.

Simavi is waiting for the hospital to move and the presentation of the final redevelopment plan before it decides whether continued support by Simavi is necessary.