The graduation of 300 Village health workers (VHW) under the Community and Home-based Care for Mothers and Newborns programme in Chikomba district took place on the 3rd of September 2010. The colourful ceremony organised by the district’s VHW trainers led by the DNO with support from the CWGH and UNICEF was the official launch of the programme and it was at this event that the VHWs received ‘the tools of their trade’: a bicycle, a thermometer, a Salter scale and sling, a respiratory timer, equipment bag, and the VHW full uniform. Honourable Member of Parliament for Chikomba, Mr Mbwembwe, the Provincial Nursing Officer for Mashonaland East, District Medical Officer Dr Changata, traditional leadership led by Chief Mutekedza, the local authority represented by the 32 Councilors, MoHCW representatives, UNICEF officials, CWGH secretariat, relatives and friends converged at the Chikomba Rural District Council Complex to celebrate with the 300 VHWs.
The training that the VHWs underwent focused on community management of the mother and the newborn, home-based care of the premature infant and low weight babies, support for initiation of early feeding including exclusive breastfeeding where appropriate, management of neonatal illnesses and referral for mothers and newborns that are sick. It also looked at the role families and the communities can play in reducing maternal and infant mortality.
In his opening remarks, the District Medical Officer for Chikomba shed light on the training process and commended the implementing partners on the timely dispensation of funds for trainings to be carried out on time. He said the VHWs were better placed to make a difference in the prevention of disease and death as they were selected by the community itself, accessible to the community as well as respected members of their communities. Dr. Changata called on otherpartners to come on board and train more VHWs to complement the work being done by the pioneer group. He also urged the designers of the program to increase the portfolio of the VHW to include management of other diseases such as cholera and measles.
The CWGH Executive Director, Mr. Itai Rusike was full of praises for the people of Chikomba. It was the first time that CWGH was implementing a programme in that district and he expressed interest in incorporating Chikomba into the CWGH network. The organization through the project had been well received by both the local leadership and the community members themselves. Mr. Rusike stated that the main thrust of the project was saving lives, that of the newborn and the mother. He termed giving life a “national duty” and it was therefore imperative to protect the life of the life giver.
Mr. Rusike urged the local leaders therepresent to advocate for removal of user fees for pregnant mothers as this had been discovered to be a barrier to seeking healthcare. In conclusion, the Executive Director encouraged the community of Chikomba to take full responsibility for the project and own it as it was their. Partners were only there to support.
Chief Mutekedza, who spoke on behalf of the traditional leaders in the district, said the project was a dream come true for his immediate community and the nation as a whole as all stood to benefit. He explained that people were faced with many challenges and the project was a tool in the fight for survival, ‘Hondo yeruponiso’. He referred to the VHWs as the health police in the community, ‘mapurisa ehutano’, and as such they had an important role to play to uplift the lives of the people in their communities.
The traditional leader encouraged the VHW s to work for no monetary reward, but for love, promising that they would get their reward from the almighty.
He concluded by recommending that health education become part of community meeting agenda so that everyone would be kept informed. Mrs Chitsungo, the UNICEF Maternal and Neonatal Health specialist made a commitment on behalf of her organisation to,
- Continue in supporting Chikomba district Hospital with instruments and equipment for waiting mothers’ shelters and other related mother and child health facilities.
- Come together with other partners and fundraise monies for community development in Zimbabwe
- Grant refresher courses for the VHWs
The Provincial Nursing Officer from Marondera commended the CWGH and UNICEF for complementing government efforts to ensure success in the improvement of maternal and neonatal health in Zimbabwe. The government was revitalising waiting mothers’ shelters, a move which he said would go a long way in reducing one of the three delays that cause maternal deaths; delay in reaching a health facility.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Mbwembwe expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the community for being accorded the opportunity make maternal health history in Zimbabwe. Chikomba is a vast district and was very much honoured to pilot the project. “Tapiwa hupenyu kuburikidza noruzivo” (we have been given life through knowledge), said Honourable Mbwembwe. He encouraged male participation in the program and men to support their partners especially during pregnancy. “It is your responsibility from the start to the end”, said Honourable Mbwembwe.
A similar ceremony had been held in Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe the previous week.