“A Safe Place to Wait”: How a Mothers’ Shelter is Saving Lives in Chipepo

In the quiet rural community of Chipepo, Gwembe District of Southern Province, becoming a mother used to come with a heavy dose of fear. 🕊️

For women here, the nearest health facility was often miles away, reachable only by walking long distances or relying on unreliable transport. Many had no choice but to deliver at home or on the way to a clinic—often without trained health professionals. And the consequences were heartbreaking.

💔 In one year alone, Chipepo Clinic recorded six cases of neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening condition in newborns—largely due to the delays in reaching medical care.

When disease outbreaks hit the area, the lack of immediate access to care made things even worse. Combating infections and managing maternal complications felt like a race against time—and distance.

But everything changed with one structure: a Mothers’ Shelter built right next to the clinic. 🏠

This simple yet powerful addition has brought safety, dignity, and peace of mind to expecting mothers in Chipepo.

Now, pregnant women don’t have to risk long journeys during labor. They can come to the clinic weeks or days before their due date, rest comfortably in the shelter, and wait in safety—just steps from the delivery room. 🌼👩‍🍼

Today, 17 to 20 mothers use the shelter every month. And the results? Nothing short of life-saving:

✅ Zero cases of maternal or neonatal sepsis.
✅ More women delivering under skilled care.
✅ Fewer complications.
✅ Healthier moms and babies. 👶💕

As one mother put it:
“I was afraid my baby wouldn’t survive if I stayed in the village. Here, I waited safely, and when the time came, the nurse helped me deliver. I thank God for this shelter—it saved us both.”

In Chipepo, what once seemed out of reach is now right next door. And in this small, welcoming shelter, the gift of life is being given every single day.

Thanks to GLASSCO Foundation our supporting partner for making this possible