In Malawi, only 4.6% to 6% of institutional births are performed via caesarean section, below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 5–15%, according to KUHeS. This indicates that many women who need the procedure still lack access to timely care.
As the country observes Caesarean Section Awareness Month under the theme “Educate-Support-Advocate,” health officials are calling for intensified public education to reduce fear and stigma surrounding the procedure.
However, this is not what happens in the world.
To most people, C-section is a lazy way out for mother’s that cannot push the child during birth and those who did not prepare well for delivery, as one of the C- Section advocates, Edith Mkwaila Gondwe, puts it.
“Women are made to believe that they have been bewitched or that they have to pray for a miracle to have a normal birth but we should also accept that God gave wisdom to Doctors to use CS to save a mother and child that are at risk,” she said.
She went through the knife after her 24 hours labor had abruptly stopped, stressing the child and only her decision could save the unborn child against her wish for normal birth.
At least 20 women undergo C-sections daily at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, with another 4–5 cases in other hospitals in the city, this is according to Dr. Gift Kawalazira, Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre.
“C-sections are meant to safeguard the lives of mothers and children when normal labor fails. Women should be informed about the procedure without fear,” he said.
Dr. Kawalazira added that the awareness month also serves to remind health workers to follow correct procedures, properly explain the process to clients, and obtain informed consent before performing the operation.
“It is also an opportunity to ensure that post-operative care is handled professionally, both medically and mentally,” he said.
George Jobe, Executive Director of the Malawi Health Equity Network, said Malawi is making progress in providing safe C-sections but stressed the need for more investment. “Women from remote areas face challenges accessing referral hospitals. Transport systems and health education must improve to save lives,” Jobe said.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing societal myths that label women who deliver via C-section as lazy.
The awareness month aims to empower mothers with knowledge about safe delivery options, evidence-based care, and the risks and benefits of caesarean sections, ultimately promoting healthier outcomes for mothers and children.
By Rashidah Matandika
