Pregnancy brings much joy and excitement for a mother and her baby. But Phelis could not conceive, due to a physical condition. She very much wanted to have a child. And Jemima was just a teen. She was not so ready to be a mother. For both women pregnancy also meant risk.
Without pre-natal health care, education in nutrition, and trained birth attendants, a pregnant mother is extremely vulnerable to serious, even fatal complications. Lack of family care during the first critical 1000 days of life (from conception to two years old) places a child at risk of stunted growth, disease, and even death. It can impact a child's development, health, and income-potential for the rest of his or her life.
On May 10, 2012, World Renew and its partner Pwani Christian Services launched a three year Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Project* focused on immunization, newborn care, breastfeeding, nutrition, and improving food security. The community members chose the name "Mwanzo Mwema" for the project – a Swahili word meaning "good start".
Phelis and Jemima's community health care worker is Macrina. Macrina faithfully visited Phelis and helped Phelis improve her diet so that she could successfully carry a baby to full term. She taught Jemima – her daughter! – about maintaining good hygiene and nutrition. She also taught Jemima to grow crops that will help her and her son stay strong.
Join World Renew in helping more women have healthier pregnancies and safer births, and help their children get off to a "good start". Give generously to World Renew's Maternal and Child Health program (click the button below to learn more). Churches, consider holding a Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Sunday on Mother's Day, May 10 – resources will soon be made available at www.worldrenew.net/church-resources.