Wajamama

WAJAMAMA is a grassroots and women-led NGO that was built on the belief that initiatives aimed at making the greatest social change must prioritize the beginning of life. Because each life starts inside of a woman, our model primarily focuses on women’s and girls’ health. For those who choose to become mothers, this will increase their chances of having healthy pregnancies, as well as empowering labor and birth experiences. Subsequently, this will make healthy and beautiful beginnings a right accessible to their babies. It is well known that the holistic wellbeing of infants during the first 1000 days after conception has the power to impact their health, cognitive development, and livelihood for the rest of their lives. At WAJAMAMA, our work is centered around the understanding that a future with “equal opportunities for all” is dependent on the transformation of the narratives surrounding reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth outcomes that continue to put black birthing people and their babies at a disadvantage. We are improving maternal and child health outcomes in Zanzibar by making integrated healthcare services to women and children in economically-marginalised communities. We are doing this through three key initiatives: Reproductive Health Initiative This initiative equips women and girls by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their reproductive health. Through our Well-Girl and Well-Woman programs, we offer accessible preventive health care services, including facilitated learning on menstrual health, nutrition, physical fitness, and mental health. We also focus on reproductive cancer prevention, ensuring that women have the information they need to safeguard their health. Nurse-Midwifery Capacity Building Recognizing the pivotal role that skilled healthcare providers play in improving maternal and child health outcomes, this program is designed to equip Nurse Midwives with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality care–including training on the Group Care Model. We have also introduced simulation-based learning, using high-fidelity mannequins, to ensure that Nurse-Midwives receive the hands-on training they need to provide safe, respectful, and dignified care to all. This program also emphasizes preceptorship, advocating for a mentorship model where experienced practitioners guide and support their peers. Group Care Model At the heart of our approach is the Group Care Model (GCM), which revolutionizes the standard of care for pregnant women and new mothers. GCM provides a holistic approach to reproductive, maternal, and child health by offering pre- and post-natal care within a community setting. This model not only enhances the quality of medical care but also fosters community building, peer support, and shared learning among women. By equipping Nurse Midwives to deliver GCM, we ensure that women receive continuous, dignified care during the critical first 1,000 days from conception.