ZAGO recognize Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs) as key partners in promoting and improving the health and wellbeing of people across communities. This cadre of voluntary healthcare workers often work in remote or underserved areas where access to healthcare services is limited. They bridge the gap between communities and healthcare facilities by providing essential healthcare services, information, and education to local residents. They promote public health, improve healthcare outcomes, and empower communities to take control of their own health. Their dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts make a considerable impact on the wellbeing of individuals and communities across the country.

Over the years, ZAGO has provided training to SMAGs aimed at enhancing their capacity to provide quality services in many areas including safe abortion care.

The Association is aware that although stigma surrounding abortion (including self-managed medical abortion care) – is slowly reducing in communities, more work is still needed. This is why ZAGO has been working hand-in-hand with SMAGs to challenge stigma and discrimination surrounding abortion in communities by promoting a more supportive and compassionate environment for women and girls seeking the service.

Last quarter, ZAGO conducted training for SMAGs on self-managed medical abortion care. The training involved 22 SMAGs from all the 10 districts where SMMA is implemented. ZAGO understand the importance of SMAGs in raising awareness about self-managed medical abortion care in the community.

Their role in community awareness about healthcare related issues has been impeccable. ZAGO have noted how SMAGs are helping dispel myths, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding abortion by providing accurate information about the procedure, its safety, and legality. They have also been providing emotional support and counselling to women considering safe abortion, as well as to those who have undergone the procedure – help individuals make informed decisions based on their personal circumstances.

ZAGO also note how SMAGs are linking women seeking safe abortion services with healthcare providers, ensuring that they have access to quality care in a timely manner; help women navigate the healthcare system and remove barriers to accessing service.

After the training, the following recommendations were made to enhance advocacy on self-managed medical abortion care:

1. SMAGs to work hand-in-hand with health facilities and youth in raising community awareness on SMMA
2. ZAGO to increase number of SMAGs trained in all the facilities
3. ZAGO provide IEC materials including T-Shirts, caps, bungles and IDs for the volunteers for easy identification wherever they undertake the sensitization work
4. ZAGO continue to monitor SMAGs community sensitization work.

The work done by SMAGs is highly commendable and is contributing to the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality countrywide. ZAGO urged SMAGs to continue with community awareness and refer to the health facility women and girls seeking self-managed abortion service for initial assessment and guidance about the service. The association will continue to build capacity for SMAGs through training, and evidence-based information sharing. ZAGO recognize every effort employed by stakeholders to addressing barriers to accessing safe abortion care, and ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to lead a healthy life and receive healthcare services they need.