Zambia Army Embarks on Maternal Health Infrastructure Drive

The Zambia Army has launched a series of initiatives to improve maternal health infrastructure across military camps, Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has announced.

Speaking at the Army Ladies Association of Zambia (ALAZ) fundraising gala dinner at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka, Lieutenant General Zyeele said strengthening maternal health facilities would ensure that no mother within the military community faces childbirth without safety and dignity.

The dinner, held under the theme "Honouring Motherhood, Creating a Safe Space," was organised to raise funds for the construction of Mothers' Shelters at Zambia Army health facilities nationwide.

ALAZ Patron Gina Zyeele announced that the association had already begun building a Mothers' Shelter at one of the Army's bases. She said the facility would provide accommodation for expectant mothers who travel long distances to reach maternal health services, allowing them to stay close to care as their due date approaches.

The shelters are intended to address a long-standing challenge for women in remote postings, who often face difficult journeys to deliver safely. By providing a place to rest near health facilities, the Army hopes to reduce the risks that come with late or delayed access to care.

Army Headquarters Mess Committee President Major Nsofwa Njilika pledged the Mess Committee's continued support to ALAZ, noting that the association had consistently backed Mess activities. He commended the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the welfare of families within the military community.