African Mothers Health Initiative

Providing care for critically ill mothers and vulnerable infants in Malawi.

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Activity Updates

July 2018 Activity Update

  • 17 Babies were admitted in July.  The mothers of 13 of these babies died just after their births.  The mothers of 4 of these babies are not producing any milk, including 1 set of premature twins.
  • Nurses visited 155 babies
  • 70 of the 248 babies currently in our care are receiving formula, 250 tins of formula were distributed.
  • 4 sick women were enrolled this month and 20 women received visits from nurses
July Admission Stories Anna went into labor with her 4th baby on June 22nd.  After a long day of painful contractions and no progress, she delivered a 9lb4oz baby boy by c-section.  Mom and baby seemed healthy and were discharged home four days later.  On June 26th Anna complained of a headache and started seizing.   She quickly deteriorated and died at home on the same day.  Baby Lyson and his aunt (pictured above) were referred to Joyful Motherhood to receive assistance. 22 year old Oliveta was well throughout her first pregnancy.  The hospital was far from her village home and so, like many Malawian women, when labor started she stayed in her village and delivered her baby girl at home.  Unfortunately she began to bleed after delivering her daughter.  Those with her were unable to stop the bleeding and there was no quick way to transport her to the hospital.  Her life slipped away within minutes making her tiny 4lb daughter an orphan.  Her relatives brought the baby to the health center seeking help and were referred to Joyful Motherhood. 17 year old Mphatso came to the health center on June 6th for her regular prenatal visit.  This was her first pregnancy and she wanted to make sure her baby was growing well.  While at the health center she fell to the floor and started seizing, that same day she was transferred to the referral hospital and a c-section was done.  Her premature baby weighed only 4lbs.  Nine days later she developed a distended abdomen and an exploratory laparotomy found a severe infection. At that time they did a total hysterectomy.  On June 29th her wound was found to be severely infected. Finally on July 12th, still weak and on anti-hypertensive drugs, she was discharged home. These are a few of the difficult stories from July.  The need is immense but with our combined compassion, hope, and resources we can support these women and families through their most difficult moments and see them through to the other side.

June 2018 Activity Update

  • This month 9 babies were enrolled, all of whom are orphans.
  • Nurses visited 140 babies during this month.
  • A total of 241 enrolled babies are currently enrolled.
  • 300 tins of formula were distributed to infants without access to breastmilk.
  • One well loved 7-month old girl died of malaria.
  • 6 postpartum women were enrolled this month (1 with severe anemia, 2 with eclampsia, and 2 with a history of ruptured uterus and hysterectomy)
  • We are following 28 women.
Lofina Kingsely was enrolled in our program at three months when her mother suddenly stopped producing breast milk.  With the supplemental formula and home visits, Lofina was growing into a healthy toddler.  On May 1st she became violently ill. She was diagnosed with malaria and treated at the local health center.  When there was no improvement in her condition, Lofina was transferred to the district hospital.  Tragically, despite additional treatment, Lofina died from malaria on May 3rd. Charity Malota was one of our new baby admissions in June.  Charity’s 18-year old mother attended regular prenatal care and went to the hospital when she felt labor pains increase take hold and increase in intensity.  Charity, a small but healthy baby boy was born on 25 February. And after a few days, mother and son were discharged home in good health.  On June 11th Charity’s mother complained of a severe headache and went to lie down.  Providers presumed that Charity had cerebral malaria, within an hour his mother had died.  Relatives who knew about Joyful Motherhood escorted the guardian and baby to our office.  It is our mission to ensure that despite the tragedy this little life continues to grown and thrive. Annie Yakobo is a 22 year old who was admitted this month. The delivery of her second child was difficult and she ended up with a c-section.  Several days later her abdomen became very swollen and pus started leaking from the incision.  When she was returned to theatre they found her uterus was already necrotic and the clinicians proceeded with a total hysterectomy.  Annie is alive but still very weak, she was discharged home to a very poor environment, and will need to continue to administer to her wound for sometime.  Her baby girl’s life is at risk, simply because her mother is ill.  Joyful Motherhood will be present to help see them through this difficult time.

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