Breaking Barriers: How Annie Bwalya Kapasa is Transforming Maternal Health in Misengo Village

In Misengo Village, Annie Bwalya Kapasa is a source of hope for expectant mothers. As a dedicated member of the Safe Motherhood Action Group (SMAG), Annie has been transforming maternal and child health in her community since she joined in 2015. Her journey took a significant turn in 2019 when World Vision Zambia provided her with specialized training, equipping her with the skills to support pregnant women and young mothers.

Tackling Home Deliveries and Maternal Deaths

For many years, home deliveries and maternal deaths have been a major challenge in rural communities like Misengo Village. Many women, due to lack of knowledge or access to healthcare services, would give birth at home without skilled assistance, increasing the risk of complications and fatalities. The absence of postnatal care further exacerbated health risks for both mothers and newborns.

Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs) play a critical role in addressing this issue by bridging the gap between health facilities and communities. These groups educate women on the importance of antenatal and postnatal care, promote hospital deliveries, and provide life-saving maternal health interventions. Their work has significantly contributed to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in many rural areas.

“Being part of this group has helped me understand more about women and children,” says Annie. “I can now train any expecting mother on how to take care of herself and her baby for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.”

Annie currently supports 25 women within her catchment area, ensuring they attend regular antenatal check-ups and receive postnatal care. She recalls a time when many women in her community were unaware of the importance of maternal health services. “Way back, women never knew anything about the importance of regular check-ups, but now they are all aware. Even postnatal care has improved.”

Her dedication and commitment have earned her the trust of her community, making it easier to reach more women. She attributes this success to World Vision Zambia’s continuous support, including the provision of bicycles, which has expanded her reach to remote households.

“With the bicycles, I can quickly check on the women. I am now able to reach vast households, ensuring that no mother is left behind,” she shares. “I also work closely with the staff at Misengo Rural Health Centre, and they support us where necessary. We deliver reports to the facility, and they help us cross-check and consolidate information.”

Annie’s work aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, by highlighting how empowering women in maternal health leads to broader community development. Through her efforts, nearly 500 women have received health care services, and many others have been trained to look after themselves and their neighbors.

“I am a happy lady because, as women, we used to suffer a lot. But now, our minds have been opened to how we must live and care for our children. This has really helped us,” she expresses with joy.

Thanks to the initiative, more women in Misengo Village are embracing maternal health services, shedding the shyness that once hindered them. “Before, women were very shy, but now they are motivated and approach us to learn more. I encourage them to register their pregnancies on time and take responsibility for their well-being.”

Annie Bwalya Kapasa’s story is a testament to how investing in women’s empowerment accelerates progress, not just for individuals but for entire communities. Through her tireless efforts and the support of World Vision Zambia, maternal and child health in Misengo Village is experiencing a remarkable transformation, ensuring a healthier future for mothers and their children.