Mama Na Mwana (Mother and Baby)

Our Mother and Baby Programme, locally known as “Mama na Mwana,” is one of St John Zambia’s flagship community health initiatives, supporting mothers, newborns, and families to achieve healthier outcomes.

Established in 2014, it works alongside government health efforts to improve maternal and child health by promoting early antenatal care, safe facility-based deliveries, skilled birth attendance, postnatal support, family planning awareness, maternal health education, and community awareness of pregnancy danger signs.

Operating across seven sites in Lusaka and Chibombo districts, “Mama na Mwana” is delivered through a network of trained community volunteers known as Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs), working in partnership with 11 health facilities. Through household visits and community outreach, St John Zambia volunteers support expectant mothers, new parents, and families by sharing health information, encouraging healthy practices, and promoting early childhood development.

Other activities within the Mother and Baby Programme include postnatal care, family planning awareness, and community engagement, helping to ensure mothers and families continue to receive information and support beyond pregnancy and childbirth.

The programme also engages men and families to encourage shared responsibility for maternal and newborn health. In remote communities, volunteers work closely with local health staff to strengthen outreach services and improve access to essential healthcare for those who need it most.