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Donation Total: $100

ZRCS ENHANCES MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN LUSANGAZI THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH RESILIENCE PROJECT

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is making strides in Lusangazi district, Eastern province with its Community Based Health Care and Resilience II (CBHR II) project. The initiative focuses on improving maternal and child health, integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices to enhance community wellbeing.

Significant progress was made in the second quarter of 2024, including the completion of a maternity annex in Chikowa and training sessions for health workers and nutrition groups. Additionally, the project facilitated repairs of six boreholes, ensuring better access to clean water for households.

In line with our strategic Goal 1: People anticipate, respond to, and quickly recover from crises, the CBHR II project has equipped communities with the skills needed to respond to health challenges and water shortages. The completed maternity shelter in Chikowa has already begun housing expectant mothers from remote areas, reducing the risks associated with traveling long distances for childbirth. This initiative ensures that pregnant women receive timely medical attention, enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes, while community meetings with traditional leaders have strengthened water point management, resulting in the repair of six boreholes. This proactive approach has increased access to clean water and reduced vulnerabilities during drought periods.

Through activities aimed at boosting nutrition and hygiene, the CBHR project aligns with our strategic Goal 2: People lead safe, healthy, and dignified lives, and have opportunities to thrive. The training of 20 community health workers and five health staff in maternal and infant nutrition is already showing promising results.

Nutrition support groups were also trained in cooking demonstrations using locally available foods to combat malnutrition exacerbated by drought. By empowering communities with knowledge and practical skills, ZRCS is fostering healthier, more resilient families. The project’s emphasis on water sanitation, hygiene practices, and access to safe and clean drinking water has further improved living conditions in Lusangazi, creating a healthier and more dignified environment for all.

Under strategic goal Goal 3: People mobilize for inclusive and peaceful communities, the CBHR II project has fostered community collaboration and participation. The involvement of traditional leaders in WASH activities and water point management has empowered local communities to take charge of their resources, ensuring the sustainability of water sources and enhancing communal cooperation. By strengthening community leadership and encouraging inclusive discussions, ZRCS is helping to build a foundation for peaceful and prosperous communities that can work together to address future challenges.

ZRCS’s commitment to creating a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lusangazi district is made possible through the generous support of the Netherlands Red Cross, whose partnership with the Zambia Red Cross Society has enabled the successful implementation of the CBHR II initiative contributing a testament to its broader strategic goals of empowering communities and improving livelihoods across Zambia.