The Maternity Waiting Homes (MWH) Access in Zambia project was implemented in Southern, Eastern, and Luapula Provinces at a total cost of US$415,276.02, with the objective of improving access to maternity and emergency obstetric care by providing safe, supportive spaces near health facilities for expectant mothers. The project introduced an enhanced MWH model in 40 rural health centers across Choma, Kalomo, Pemba, Nyimba, Lundazi, Mansa, and Chembe districts, featuring upgraded infrastructure, supportive policies, and strong linkages to nearby health facilities. The intervention led to a significant increase in facility-based deliveries, rising from 81% to 91% in intervention areas, compared to 82% to 88% in non-intervention areas. MWH usage also increased from 26% to 48%, with women in intervention areas staying an average of 16 days, compared to 11 days elsewhere. The program further improved postnatal care, enabling timely checkups, access to life-saving procedures like cesarean sections, and enhanced maternal knowledge on breastfeeding, family planning, and newborn care contributing to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
