Expectant mothers at the Josua Hanyango Maternity Waiting Home in Okongo, Ohangwena Region have joined Namibians in mourning the death of former First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, honouring her contribution to maternal healthcare in the country.
The maternity waiting home was established through an initiative spearheaded by the late former First Lady, in partnership with development partners, to improve access to healthcare for pregnant women, particularly those living in rural areas.
Pohamba was a strong advocate for reducing maternal mortality in Namibia.
Working alongside the Ministry of Health and Social Services and development partners, she supported the establishment of maternity waiting homes across the northern regions.
The initiative sought to assist expectant mothers who often had to travel long distances to reach health facilities by providing them with safe and decent accommodation close to medical services during pregnancy.
The Okongo Maternity Waiting Home was completed in early 2015 and officially inaugurated by the former First Lady, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
Pohamba believed that women, particularly expectant mothers and newborn babies, deserved the best possible care.
For the women staying at the center her passing marks the loss of a leader whose efforts have made a lasting difference in their lives.
“We are very grateful to our mother for what she has done for us. For many years, since 2001, we struggled to find proper shelter. We used to buy tents, but today we are thankful that she left us with this beautiful facility. Even when we do not have money, we can stay here for free. We are truly grateful. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” noted Indileni Naboth.
“She was a gift from God, and God has taken her back. We are saddened by her passing, and there is little more we can say. She did so much for us, and this shelter was built through her efforts. We live far from the hospital, but here we have everything we need, including water and electricity. We are also protected from the sun and rain. May her soul rest in peace,” added Magdaren Namupala.
Today, the facility accommodates 45 expectant mothers and has a maximum capacity of 80.