The Ministry of Health in Lavushimanda District, Muchinga Province, says the construction of maternity annexes funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has contributed to a reduction in maternal deaths in the district.

Lavushimanda District Nursing Officer Jessy Chomba said the annexes have enabled expectant mothers to stay at health facilities, allowing health workers to detect complications early.

Ms. Chomba added that the development has strengthened the ability of health professionals to monitor pregnancies and respond quickly to emergencies.

“With the expectant mothers coming to the maternity annexes, it has been really easy for us because we have most of our mothers stationed there,” she said.

Lavushimanda Town Council Public Relations Officer Stella Simutowe said two maternity annexes and a mothers’ shelter have been constructed through CDF.

“For 2023, we constructed the Lubunga maternity annex at Lubunga Clinic at a cost of K667,650.17 and another at Mwelushi Health Post in Chiundaponde Chiefdom at a cost of K870,765.13,” she said.

She added that a mothers’ shelter at Salamo Health Post was also built at a cost of K713,155.37, noting that the facilities are intended to help pregnant women avoid maternal complications.

Meanwhile, Lavushimanda District Commissioner Terries Kunda expressed satisfaction with the progress.

“We are so proud of the way the new dawn government is working,” he said, adding that the district has greatly benefited from CDF‑funded infrastructure.