22 Mar 2021

The Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), Francistown students studying midwifery have donated groceries and clothing to a mother of 17 in Nkange.

Speaking at an event to hand over the donation in Nkange on Friday, Francistown IHS head of midwifery, Ms Tsholofelo Radimo said students got to know Ms Chendzimu Phele aged 39 when she was a client at Nyangabgwe hospital during which time she had come to deliver baby number 17.

She said they were touched by her circumstances and wanted to help.

Ms Radimo noted that their midwifery programme entailed caring for mothers, babies and the family unit.

She acknowledged that they might not be able to meet all her needs, but that they believed the donation would encourage others to do likewise.

Nkange Clinic nursing in charge, Mr Kebinang Lazarus said the clinic, serviced by three midwives and five general nurses among other staff members, registered more than 100 antenatal care annually with about 90 delivered at the clinic.

He said it was overwhelming given the staff compliment.

Mr Lazarus also complained about expectant mothers who failed to register for antenatal care and only showed up when already in labour.

“Most do not know their HIV status and those who know are usually reluctant to enroll for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme,” Mr Lazarus said, adding that it caused clashes between health workers and clients with the latter at times opting for home delivery.

He, however, said they encouraged proper customer care so that clients could end up making proper decisions. ENDS