Background:
In Zimbabwe, young pregnant women frequently face disrespect and abuse in maternity care settings, including verbal insults, physical mistreatment, and discrimination. These negative experiences discourage early antenatal care (ANC) booking and contribute to unsafe births, complications, and even maternal mortality. A lack of youth-friendly information on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), combined with stigma, means many adolescents delay seeking care or avoid health facilities altogether.

About the project:
This project aimed to ensure respectful, youth-sensitive maternal healthcare by using information and communication technology (ICT) and peer support. Young pregnant women in Chitungwiza were engaged through WhatsApp, and champion peer educators were recruited to share SRHR information and promote antenatal care. Midwives were trained in Respectful Maternity Care (RMC), and protocols were reinforced within the hospital. Partnerships with NGOs and hospital departments ensured holistic support for participants. Flyers, online discussions, and in-person referrals connected young women to health services.

Results:
Over 100 young women participated via mobile platforms, receiving timely information on pregnancy, ANC, HIV prevention, and birth preparedness. Midwife champions facilitated improved patient-provider relations, and participants reported more confidence and comfort accessing services.