A New Chapter for Maternal Health in Esilalei

This month marked a monumental milestone for the community of Esilalei, nestled on the border of Manyara Ranch, with the official opening of a long-awaited maternity unit. What once stood as an empty shell of a building—abandoned after funding disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic—has now been transformed into a fully functioning, welcoming, and dignified space for mothers to give birth safely.

Under construction. November 2024.

The original structure, left without electricity or plumbing, sat unfinished for years. But thanks to the dedication of a committed team and generous supporters, we were able to complete the building and breathe life back into its walls. This included vital infrastructure work such as installing electrics, plumbing, painting the facility, and adding both stairs and a ramp for full accessibility.

Inside, the unit has been thoughtfully equipped to support mothers through every step of their journey. A calm and spacious waiting room with benches welcomes women and their families. Nearby, there is a well-prepared area where vital signs such as weight and blood pressure can be checked before labour begins.

Adding a warm and meaningful touch to the waiting room is a beautiful mural of a giant baobab tree, hand-painted on the wall. This tree will grow with the community—each time a baby is born in the unit, their handprints will be added to the branches. It’s a living symbol of life, growth, and connection. At the opening, we proudly added our own handprints to get it started.

Namnyak, Monica, Caroline and Hannah add their handprints to the tree.

The heart of the unit features a labour room with a birthing bed, an oxygen concentrator, a resuscitaire, and a steriliser—critical tools that ensure both mothers and newborns receive timely, life-saving care. After delivery, mothers can recover in a comfortable ward with two beds, allowing for rest and privacy. Hygiene and sanitation are a top priority, and the facility includes two bathrooms complete with toilets and showers. Waste disposal buckets have also been provided to ensure cleanliness and safety.

And the most joyful news of all—within just 48 hours of opening, the first baby was born at the new clinic. A strong and healthy 4.2kg boy named Jerry made his arrival, and both he and his mama are doing wonderfully. His handprint will be the very first leaf on our baobab of new beginnings.

The opening ceremony was a heartfelt and inspiring event. The Esilalei village chairman welcomed guests, and the district director joined with government representatives from neighbouring villages to celebrate. The strong turnout from the local community reflected just how meaningful this development is to everyone it will serve.

We were honoured to have several key partners in attendance. Board members from Mwandamo, including Mahela, a practicing midwife, and Monica from the Ewang’an Foundation, brought their expertise and enthusiasm. Marias from the Royal African Foundation also joined us, showing cross-organizational support for this important project.

Mahela, Hannah, Caroline and Monica. 22nd May 2025.

This maternity unit is more than a building—it’s a promise to the women of Esilalei that they deserve safe, supported, and dignified births. It’s a symbol of resilience, of what can be accomplished when communities and partners come together with a shared vision. We believe that every mother should have access to high-quality care, no matter where she lives, and this facility is a powerful step in that direction.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting this maternity unit with ongoing training, maintenance, and resources. But for now, we pause to celebrate this hard-earned achievement. To everyone who played a role—thank you. Your efforts have given life not only to a building, but to the many futures it will help bring into the world.