Joseph Isangura
Doctors Without Borders (MSF), or Médecins Sans Frontières, has extended its essential health outreach to the remote villages of Lilombe, Namatete, Chigugu, and Nambuju in Lindi’s Liwale District.
Aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality, MSF’s project focuses on pregnant women and children under five, delivering critical health education to some of the most isolated communities in the region.
Led by MSF health promotion Officer Scholastica William and Ally Rashid HP Supervisor, along with community health workers Rehema Rashid Kiliga and Sudi Ally Ngainda, the MSF team is teaching villagers about the importance of safe vaccinations and health practices for both mothers and children. In one session, over 50 women received detailed guidance on how vaccinations can protect both mother and unborn child.
Scholastica William emphasized that pregnant women must promptly report any health changes to local clinics to receive immediate care. Additionally, the team has been promoting blood donation as a vital way to save lives, encouraging villagers to view it as an act of love and responsibility.
Cholera prevention has also been a key focus in MSF’s educational efforts. The team has been sensitizing villagers about the dangers of cholera, particularly the need for proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of the disease. “Cholera is deadly, but it’s also preventable,” said Scholastica William. “By ensuring cleanliness, safe food preparation, and access to clean water, we can protect our communities from this threat.”
The health sessions have been well-received by both women and men, especially in Namatete, where men took part in discussions on family planning.
This inclusion of men is helping foster a shared responsibility for reproductive health in the community. Edwin James, a resident of Namatete, expressed his gratitude for MSF’s initiative, saying, “As a father, I know it’s my responsibility to ensure my wife attends clinic visits during her pregnancy.
This program is making a real difference in our lives.”
The impact of MSF’s project is evident, with the number of medical consultations and deliveries steadily increasing in Liwale District. In July, the project recorded 2,608 consultations and 369 deliveries, including 56 cesarean sections. This marked a significant increase from January, which saw 1,451 consultations, 328 deliveries, and 60 caesarean sections.
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Trial of Labour After Cesarean (TOLAC) Introduced in Liwale Health Center
Meanwhile, Liwale Health Center has started offering Trial of Labour After Cesarean (TOLAC) for selected women, reducing the need for repeat caesarean sections. TOLAC, also known as trial of scar, is a process in which women who previously had a caesarean
birth are given the opportunity to attempt a vaginal delivery. Successful trials result in what is referred to as a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
Liwale Health Center is following strict guidelines to ensure the safety of both mother and baby during TOLAC.
A medical doctor must confirm the suitability of each case, and there must be no other indicators requiring a cesarean, such as placenta previa or eclampsia. Additionally, the previous cesarean scar must be at least two years old.
During the TOLAC process, doctors closely monitor the mother’s and baby’s condition. This includes hourly checks of the fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and cervical dilation. If any signs of distress occur, such as a deceleration in the fetal heart rate or a risk of uterine rupture, immediate action is taken to ensure a safe delivery.
By offering TOLAC, Liwale Health Center is providing more childbirth options for women and aiming to reduce the risks associated with repeated caesarean sections. This initiative is part of the broader effort to improve maternal health in the district, alongside MSF’s health education campaigns. With MSF and local health services working together, Liwale District is seeing tangible improvements in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly for mothers and young children. The continued support and outreach in these remote areas are making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
