Under the scheme, local NGOs have supported the improvement in the health of more than 13,000 women and children. The funding provides modern family planning methods, child vaccinations, and safe and clean baby delivery services.
In addition, nearly 5,000 women smallholder farmers have improved their agricultural productivity thanks to funding for fertiliser and seeds, and access to agricultural extension services. More than 17,000 people accessed safe and sustainable water, appropriate sanitation and safer hygiene practices.
“NGOs supported by Australia under the AACES program have made a significant contribution to improving women’s and children’s access to clean and safe water, and health services. This has had positive impacts on children’s day-to-day activities such as going to school, and for pregnant women, it has meant safe delivery of healthy babies. We encourage them in their important work in making people’s lives better,” said Matthew Neuhaus, the former Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
The NGOs work with private sector healthcare clinics to provide sustainable, cost-effective sexual and reproductive health services. An increase in access to health services means women can make informed decisions on the family planning methods they want. Being able to control how many children they have saves women’s lives and gives them greater control over education for themselves and their children.
Reduced risk
The construction of Maternal Waiting Homes has eased the burden for women, reduced maternal and neonatal deaths, transmission of HIV from mother to child and the risk of HIV transmission between those assisting and conducting deliveries. Since the first home was constructed in 2012, there has been a significant reduction in the number of babies born HIV positive to one percent from an alarming 10 percent before the homes existed. The government at provincial and district level is now rolling out the maternity waiting homes to other areas as a model for enhancing maternal and child health.
“The provision of a safe place to deliver has changed our lives, we no longer have to worry about walking long distances while in labour and incurring costs of going to Mutoko district hospital to deliver… the home has brought a lot of benefits such as learning which we did not think initially,” said an expectant women at Kawere Maternity Waiting Home.
In agriculture, distributing seeds and fertiliser involves more than 8,000 smallholder farmers, including women and men with disability. Women farmers were also supported to improve their quality of life by earning additional income. Support through village savings and loans associations under the programme is essential to strengthening women’s business while diversifying their incomes.
Farmers’ groups were also assisted in accessing land in kitchen gardens, livestock rearing and business management. Community nutrition gardens and conservation agriculture have enhanced food availability for target households, and families are now reporting having healthier children, as they are able to feed their children with nutritious food. The gardens have also reduced domestic violence as evidenced through midterm review findings, where women reported that their ability to contribute towards provision of food in the home has reduced the burden on husbands.
“Conservation agriculture increased my yield from 40 kgs of maize to 500 kgs,” said a 77-year-old widow.
Post published in: Lifestyle