%2520EDIT_edited_.png){kind=logo}
(September 25, 2024) A recent radio campaign by Gaka FM in Nsanje, Malawi, has led to a significant increase in male involvement in maternal health care. The campaign, which aired in May and June, focused on encouraging men to accompany their pregnant partners to antenatal clinics.
According to Elia Walani, chair of the Nyanjidu village health committee, the number of women escorted by their partners to Sorgin Hospital has shown a marked increase:
Month | Women Escorted |
April | 4 |
May | 9 |
June | 6 |
July | 12 |
This data demonstrates a threefold increase in male involvement from April to July, with the most significant jump occurring after the radio campaign.
Luka Jeke, health committee secretary for Nyanjidu village, noted the positive impact of the radio programs: "More men have been showing interest in activities to do with maternal health since your (Gaka FM) radio programs on this issue."
Jeke says in Malawi it's often considered taboo for men to accompany their pregnant partners to the clinic, but he says the radio program, in a sense, has given men permission to do so.
The radio campaign was part of a larger effort by Developing Radio Partners to promote male involvement in adolescent maternal health. From mid-May through mid-June, DRP's tip sheets emphasized the importance of men understanding and supporting adolescent maternal health. The tip sheets, which provide background information on topics, possible interview questions and types of people to interview, are provided to DRP-trained youth reporters in eight districts across Malawi. They use the tip sheets to produce weekly radio programs on topics like this one.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to improve maternal health outcomes through male involvement.
As more men become involved in maternal health care, it is hoped that this will contribute to better health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Yorumlar