The highlight of any trip for an NGO has to be when a vision becomes a reality. For almost two years I have strived to complete a maternity clinic for the women in the Mukini Cheifdom. Having heard that many Afican women die in labour, in their attempt to reach a rural clinic; I was totally committed and determined to see this project through and build Mukuni Maternity Clinic.

Thanks to an initial grant from John Humprys’ Kitchen Table Charities Trust the Mukuni Maternity Clinic is finished, and is situated next to the Mukuni Health Centre. As often happens, the governments’ plans were way under budget and it has taken a substantial amount of additional funds to include ever-increasing costs for materials, plumbing, electricity and equipment. The Butterfly Tree has been offered an ultra-sound scanner, which will further enhance the project.

New Mukuni Maternity Clinic

The Beyango, Chieftainess of Mukuni, performed a tribal blessing before I cut the ribbon to officially open the clinic. Members from the Kazungula district health office were in attendance along with village headmen and community members.

Jane officially opening the maternity clinic at Mukuni Village

The clinic has an ante-natal room, a nurses’ station, delivery room, showers and toilets making a vast improvement on the tiny two-bedded room at the existing Mukuni Health Centre.