A monthly maternal health clinic in a remote Tanzanian village, is strengthening families by providing training to help improve the health and well-being of the community.
Story by Annet Nabbanja
In Endanyawish, access to roads are not existent. The remote village is surrounded by rugged terrain. Instead, there are trails which take at least six hours travelling by boda boda (motorcycle) from Haydom.
But with an MAF aircraft, it is just 15 minutes.
Elsa Klarich and Caroline Alphonce Massaga have joined the monthly maternal clinic in Endanyawish to teach about nutrition.
Elsa is the founder of Ashe Love Project, an organisation working on health and wellness education and implementation in communities throughout East Africa and came to Tanzania as a bush pilot to serve remote areas.
Caroline is a nutritionist and dietitian with a strength in translating nutrition knowledge into practical guidance that families can apply using locally available foods.
Udayi, a young mum of six has walked for seven hours so that her baby could be vaccinated at the clinic.
“She's walking miles and miles and then walking back the same day for her children,’’ said Elsa. “And this little one did get to see the doctor and did get vaccinated because she made that effort to go to the clinic. And if there wasn't a clinic there, I don't really know what she would do.”
Udayi was also able to get education on nutrition.
Caroline and Elsa know that nutrition is the backbone of health.
“Increasing outreach services is therefore not only important, but necessary for building healthier and stronger communities,” said Caroline.
The presence of MAF flights is also very important because it helps health and nutrition workers reach communities that would otherwise be difficult to access.
In Endanyawish, they engaged with mothers, caregivers and community members to understand nutrition needs, child feeding practices, food security, hygiene practices and access to maternal and child health services.
The people here face several challenges that affect health and nutrition. These include limited access to services, food insecurity, gaps in nutrition knowledge, unsafe water, hygiene challenges and long distances to service points.
“Mothers and caregivers need continuous support on child feeding, maternal nutrition, growth monitoring and prevention of malnutrition,” said Caroline.
The difference that an MAF aircraft makes is immense.
“The presence of MAF flights is also very important because it helps health and nutrition workers reach communities that would otherwise be difficult to access,” said Caroline.
“Through this support, remote families are not left behind. With continued care, increased workforce, practical teaching equipment and regular follow-up, these communities can gradually improve child nutrition, reduce malnutrition and build healthier families.”
The future for these remote communities is bright if they continue receiving this kind of care and outreach support.
“I have met women who openly say that after learning proper child feeding practices, they have seen positive changes in their children’s health,” said Elsa. “Such testimonies show that nutrition education works when it is delivered practically and when families are supported consistently.”