Zambia’s maternal health revolution prioritizes dignity and respect for women
Zambia is pushing for a revolution in maternal health, focusing on respect and dignity. President Hakainde Hichilema's pledge to build maternity annexes nationwide has sparked this change, with organizations like the University of Zambia and international NGOs leading the way.
Respectful Maternity Care (RMC), a key aspect of health insurance and care credit plans, is at the heart of this transformation. It emphasizes kindness, privacy, and consent, addressing long-standing power imbalances in maternity wards. Midwives, the backbone of health systems, are being trained and supported to deliver respectful care.
The future of Zambia's maternal health lies in the strength of its hospitals and the gentleness of its hands. Progress has been made, but experiences inside delivery rooms vary widely. To change this, the dynamic of disrespect must be tackled by redistributing power and involving communities. The Zambian health system is being urged to prioritize dignity for women during childbirth.
Respectful Maternity Care aims to treat every woman as fully human during maternal health services. With a strong policy foundation and momentum from the president's pledge, Zambia is poised for change. However, political will is needed for successful implementation, ensuring a dignified and respectful experience for all women in childbirth.
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