Rebuilding Hope for Mothers at Vankalai
In the remote village of Vankalai, situated in the Mannar District of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, expectant mothers struggled to access proper maternal care due to the long-abandoned maternity ward at the Divisional Hospital. Years of neglect had left the facility in a state of disrepair, with water stagnation, cracked walls, a leaking roof, broken washrooms, and a deteriorating footpath. The unsafe and unsanitary conditions posed significant risks, making it a hazardous place for mothers-to-be in desperate need of care.
” Giving birth is already difficult, but the state of the facilities here has made it worse. There is no safety for expectant mothers. The footpath to the hospital is in poor condition, and when it rains, the floors become dangerously slippery. There are no proper washroom facilities,“ shared a medical officer, with voice filled with both frustration and hope.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, UNFPA Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and Mannar district health authorities, launched a project in 2024 to restore the maternity ward the initiated a project to upgrade the facility, supported by funding from the Government of Japan. The initiative focused on extensive renovations, including infrastructure improvements, upgraded washroom facilities, electrical work, and the provision of essential medical equipment such as patient beds.
By early 2025, the renovation of the maternity ward was complete and ready for inauguration, marking a significant milestone in maternal healthcare for the community. The transformation was not just physical—it symbolized renewed hope and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of mothers and their unborn children.
As a pregnant mother from Annal Nagar, Vankalai, I faced many difficulties attending the clinic due to waterlogged roads and unusable rooms. The stagnant water made walking unsafe, and the clinic lacked proper facilities. But after the project’s completion, everything has changed. Now, we can come without fear, and the improved infrastructure has made our visits comfortable and safe.” – Nimoxana shared, reflecting on the impact of the project.
Through this collaboration, the once-neglected facility has become a safe and accessible space for childbirth, significantly reducing health risks and improving outcomes for mothers and their babies. This initiative highlights the power of partnerships and targeted funding in strengthening healthcare services in undeserved communities.
(By H. Umasha Keerthisinghe; Assistant Manager – Reporting and Communications)
Image : Nimoxana, an expectant mother from Vankalai.