By Ngonidzashe David Dhoro
Mana Diapers on Thursday donated maternal supplies to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Epworth, in a gesture of appreciation for their role in addressing maternal care gaps in the community.
The event was inspired by an article published by More To Her Story and co-published by Minority Africa that highlighted the impact of the TBAs’ work and efforts.
Speaking at an informal handover ceremony, Mana Diapers brand owner Faith Mahleka commended the TBAs for helping vulnerable women and girls who are excluded from formal maternal healthcare because of cost and stigma.
“We read about the good work being done here, and we were moved to lend a helping hand,” she said. “I believe this is a God‑sent task, as these TBAs are assisting in bringing life into the world.”
The donation included diapers, fleece blankets, linen savers, cotton wool, buckets and sheets to facilitate safe deliveries. Mahleka said Mana Diapers will maintain direct contact with Women In Action (WIA) to arrange resupplies when stocks run low.
Mahleka, who is also a nurse and midwife, said she understands the risks associated with childbirth for the mother, the newborn and the midwife.
“I have a better understanding when a midwife faces a shortage of personal protective equipment, because it is a risk to her and her family,” she added.
In Zimbabwe, many women are locked out of formal maternal healthcare because of prohibitive fees; public health institutions charge US$25 for antenatal care (ANC).
To address these challenges, WIA TBAs offer services free of charge to vulnerable mothers in Epworth.
WIA founder Melody Nyakudanga explained how the group was started to help women who could not afford hospital fees.
“We noticed the problems women were facing during labour because they did not have money to travel to or pay at the hospital,” said Nyakudanga.
“We heard disturbing stories of women giving birth in their homes and sometimes in the streets without any assistance.”
“Sometimes we cook food for the women so they can have the strength to push during labour, and we provide baby clothes if the mother has nothing,” she added.
Nyakudanga also said that, beyond maternal issues, the group serves as a refuge for victims of abuse.
Since the group’s establishment in 2003, Nyakudanga said, they have assisted with more than 50,000 deliveries to date.
As a result, many women in the area now opt for home-based deliveries supported by TBAs rather than public health institutions.
Among the beneficiaries was Linda Joy (not her real name), 17, a teenage mother of one who is currently seven months pregnant. Joy expressed her gratitude to the midwives for assisting with her first child.
“When I went to the hospital during my first pregnancy, I was turned away because I had no money and did not have things like salt, diapers or wipes,” she said.
“One of the midwives helped me; I gave birth without complications, and she also gave clothes for my newborn.”
The women hailed the day as a success and thanked Mana Diapers for their support, care and generosity.
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