2023 will be an unforgettable year for Mary William Brown, a Community Health Worker(CHW) for Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU). She was nominated for this year’s Heroines of Health awards following her outstanding contribution to the promotion of safe motherhood and maternal health in her community.
The 51-year-old hails from Kanangwanji Village, Traditional Authority Dambe, in Neno district. Her journey in community health began in December 2004 when she was selected by members of her community to serve as a Community Health Worker (CHW). In 2010, she was subsequently hired by APZU to support the work of the Malawi government’s Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs).
Mary, a dedicated and compassionate CHW, goes above and beyond to address the gaps in healthcare access and resources. She performs a range of essential tasks to provide comprehensive care and support to her community. These include conducting home visits to offer vital health education to individuals with limited access to primary healthcare services, conducting screenings for various health challenges, and ensuring pregnant women and new mothers receive the necessary care by accompanying them to healthcare facilities where need be.
Mary also goes for follow-up visits to new mothers and their newborns, ensuring they have the support they need during this critical time. Additionally, she plays a crucial role in the management of non-communicable diseases, making sure patients never miss their important medical appointments. She goes the extra mile by accompanying newly enrolled TB and HIV patients for both scheduled and emergency visits, offering her support and advocacy.
Mary’s dedication and commitment to bridging the healthcare gap within her community are truly commendable. Her selfless efforts positively impact the lives of those she serves and contribute to the overall well-being of the community as a whole.
Mary’s diligent efforts have made a significant impact in the lives of her fellow community members by promoting early detection of health conditions and empowering individuals to take control of their health well-being.
On 19 July 2023, Mary had the honor of attending the Heroines of Health Award Gala in Kigali, Rwanda. This event, established by Women in Global Health (WGH) in 2017, recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. The primary focus of these contributions is the advancement of safe maternity practices and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
This event serves as a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of these extraordinary individuals in making a positive impact on the lives of many. Mary was among the 12 outstanding women health workers in Africa, advancing SRHR who were honored for their exceptional contributions.
APZU has a total of 1233 CHWs that are located in 14 sites, surrounding the 14 health facilities of Neno district. Through regular home visits, these CHWs have been on the front-line providing education, screening, accompaniment and support to fellow community members and connecting them to primary healthcare services. With passing of time, these CHWs have built strong and trusting relationships with their clients. Being part of the community themselves, they understand the needs of their communities, including the barriers they face to accessing health care services.
