GPC Recruitment at Kizimkazi: Navigating Pregnancy Together
Good parenting involves parents and expectant women sharing and learning from each other, as well as seeking professional guidance to better care for themselves and their children for a sustainable future. At WAJAMAMA, we offer a program called 'UZAZI BORA PAMOJA', where all of this learning and sharing takes place in a group prenatal care setting.
By offering group prenatal care services, WAJAMAMA has transformed pregnancy into a collective journey that combines both joy and challenges. Through this model, expectant mothers gather not only as individuals but also as part of a supportive community, where they openly share experiences, information, and receive the necessary care.
Pregnant women and WAJAMAMA Healthcare providers.
On October 5th, 2023, the WAJAMAMA Group Prenatal Care (GPC) Team visited Kizimkazi (both Dimbani and Mkunguni Clinic) to recruit pregnant women for the GPC program. The team has been implementing the GPC program in Kizimkazi for two years now, and it has had a positive impact on the lives of both expectant mothers and children in the area.
Upon arrival, women attending the clinic were gathered in a room where our team provided a detailed introduction about the program. We emphasized the importance of social and emotional well-being in addition to medical care during prenatal care. Before registering them into the program, we took some time to get to know each pregnant woman individually so that they could become acquainted with one another.
Although initially hesitant to speak up or ask questions, eventually, the pregnant women became more comfortable with sharing their concerns during this process of familiarization.
Facilitators breaking ice with the pregnant women.
Facilitation is done by healthcare providers
During our Q&A session, the pregnant women expressed curiosity about the individuals who would be leading the programs. The team assured them that healthcare providers would be facilitating the groups, offering a more interactive and community-based approach compared to traditional one-on-one prenatal visits. This will effectively engage these expectant women, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful learning.
A Base for a Holistic Health Care
A person's health is inherently connected to the health of everyone else, illustrating the interdependence among all members. During pregnancy, it is essential to prioritize both physical and mental well-being as they play a vital role in the growth of the developing baby. Expectant women will not only receive medical care during this shared experience and group effort but also be enveloped in a network of support, love, and empowerment that resonates throughout the community. Above all, we are eager to incorporate discussions on mental health within these groups as it holds immense significance, especially during this sensitive period that these women are navigating.
Dr. Radhia recruiting pregnant women for the GPC Program.
During this visit, we successfully recruited a total of 19 pregnant women from Dimbani and Mkunguni clinics. Of these, 8 are from Dimbani and 11 are from Mkunguni Clinic. This recruitment process is a significant step towards prioritizing comprehensive maternal care, which aligns with WAJAMAMA's mission. However, our recruitment efforts do not stop here; we plan to continue recruiting more expecting women as the program progresses.
We are extremely grateful for the positive response to our service by the pregnant women at both clinics. We firmly believe that by providing them with this opportunity, we are laying a strong foundation for future generations in Zanzibar to thrive and ensuring healthier pregnancies. We eagerly look forward to supporting these incredible women of Kizimkazi throughout their transformative journey.
