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This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Sylvia Chopamba, Mother and Baby Programme Manager at St John International, whose leadership ensures every mother and child receives high-quality care across Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Through the Mother and Baby Programme, standardised guidance, real-time learning, and community collaboration help volunteers deliver consistent support, improving maternal and child health outcomes across the region.

Grace, a mother of seven from Uganda, once faced pregnancy and childbirth with fear and uncertainty. Through the Mother and Baby Programme, she gained knowledge about antenatal care, skilled facility deliveries, immunisation, and family planning, transforming her experience from risk and anxiety to confidence and informed decision-making. Her story highlights how access to health education and community support can change the future for mothers and their children.

Anita, from Malawi enrolled into the Mother and Baby Programme at four months into her fifth pregnancy. 

“I am pregnant again, but I am afraid to start antenatal care,” she told volunteers during a routine home visit. “I haven’t started antenatal care because I am afraid the nurses will shout at me, and I feel embarrassed,” she explained.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Mother and Baby Programme in Kenya is helping mothers access early antenatal care, skilled deliveries, and home support. Stories like Brenda’s and Kristabel’s show how timely care, community guidance, and health innovations are saving lives and improving maternal and child health.

As International Women’s Day approaches, we celebrate Chipo, a Village Health Worker in Zimbabwe, whose quick action saved a dehydrated baby. Stories like hers show how the Mother and Baby Programme trains community volunteers to spot danger signs, provide health education, and connect families to life-saving care across Africa.

Before joining the Mother and Baby Programme, Beatrice did not know much about danger signs in pregnancy. She had missed some antenatal clinic visits because the clinic was far, and she believed she should only go when she felt very sick. 

It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Rt Hon Baroness Audrey Emerton DBE, GCStJ, DL, the first Chancellor and Chief Commander for the Priory of England and the Islands on its formation. She was a devoted servant of the Order for 80 years. 

For over ten years, Winnie has served as a community volunteer with the Mother and Baby Programme, empowering mothers in Uganda with maternal and child health knowledge. Through training, mentorship, and hands-on support, she has become a trusted community leader, guiding families to health services, promoting good nutrition, and even creating a small business to support her household showing how volunteers transform lives and communities.