The Mother and Baby Programme, locally known as “Mama na Mwana,” is one of St John Zambia’s flagship community health initiatives.
Established in 2014, the programme was created to support government efforts aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes by encouraging:
- Early antenatal care attendance
- Safe facility-based deliveries
- Skilled birth attendance
- Postnatal care support
- Family planning awareness
- Maternal health education
- Community sensitization on danger signs during pregnancy
The programme currently operates in clinics and communities within Lusaka and Chibombo districts through a network of trained community volunteers known as Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGS).
St John Mother and Baby project works in 7 sites namely Chunga, Kapila, Kayosha, Naluyanda, Shifwankula, Mwanjuni and Mungule.
These represent working with 11 Health Facilities namely Goerge Clinic, Matero Main Clinic, Matero level 1 hospital, Chunga Health Post in Lusaka. In Chibombo district, we are working with Naluyanda Rural Health Clinic, Shifwankula Health Post, Kapopo Health Post, Mungule Rural Health Clinic, Mwanjuni Health Post, Kayosha Rural Health Clinic and Kapila Health Post
St John Zambia volunteers conduct household visits to support expectant mothers, new parents, and families by promoting healthy practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood development.
The programme also engages men and families to encourage shared responsibility and support for maternal and newborn health.
In remote communities, volunteers work closely with local health staff to support outreach clinics and strengthen access to essential health services.
