Promoting women’s health at Thyolo District Hospital in Malawi

The partnership between the family planning centre Balance e.V. and the Thyolo District Hospital aims to improve women's health in the Thyolo District in Malawi through the training of professionals and the care of patients on the topics of contraception, pregnancy and (miscarriage) births.

Background

The gynaecology ward of Thyolo District Hospital has insufficient expertise and limited medical equipment. Limited resources lead to frequent misdiagnosis and complications among women, mothers and newborns. Training on safe contraception is also needed.

Activities

• Workshops on options for long-term contraception and introduction of these offers on the postpartum ward
• Training of midwives on ultrasound examinations and complications in pregnancy and obstetrics
• Establishment of routine ultrasound examinations if complications are suspected in early pregnancy
• Introduction of a counselling offer for adolescents on the topic of family planning

Impact

Targeted education on contraceptive methods leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies. Through the establishment of routine ultrasound examinations and the communication of new knowledge in obstetrics, there are fewer complications for women and newborns.