In 1998 building work was started on the Chigonela antenatal hostel at Mvumi Hospital. Funding for the project was provided by the Friends of Mvumi Hospital. The hostel provides a place where pregnant women can await delivery. Before the opening of the hostel, women would wait until labour started before making the long and often difficult journey to the hospital resulting in much suffering and danger to the mother and child. With the opening of the hostel pregnant women, particularly those known to be at risk, can come to the hostel to await delivery.
The site of the relative's camp at Mvumi Hospital showing the existing accommodation and cooking area.
Dr David McKelvey gets down to details with the building contractor as work gets under way to build the hostel in 1998.
Builders mix sand and cement to make the concrete blocks in situ as construction gets underway.
After mixing, the concrete is tamped into a wooden mold with a paddle to remove air bubbles before the mold is opened and the completed block is left in the sun to dry.
Water is poured over the blocks to stop them drying too quickly in the fierce sunlight.
The completed hostel ready for opening in March, 1999.
The hostel in use showing a patient enjoying a siesta protected from mosquitoes by an impregnated bed net. The hostel not only provides a place for woment to await labour, it also reinforces health messages and sets an example to all the community.
The plaque commemorating the building of the hostel and its opening on 27th March, 1999.
