By Sr. Cleopatra Nakwenda, RSC, Monze CNCS Hub

Chikuni Mission Hospital in Monze District has recorded two special deliveries during the 2025 festive season, with baby girls born on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, underscoring the hospital’s continued provision of maternal health services during public holidays.

A baby girl was delivered on 25 December 2025 at about 11:28 hours under the care of Sr. Francesca Mutelo, a Religious Sister of Charity and Maternity In-Charge at the hospital. The delivery took place during her routine maternity shift as she attended to expectant and postnatal mothers.

Days later, the maternity ward welcomed its first baby of 2026 when a baby girl was born at 00:07 hours on 1 January. The birth marked the hospital’s first delivery of the new year and was received with excitement by staff and families present.

Sr. Francesca said the two births were significant, particularly as the hospital recorded fewer festive-day deliveries compared to previous years.

“Last year we had one Christmas baby and one New Year baby. Previously we used to have five or more, but last year it was only one,” she said.

She explained that the Christmas baby arrived from home, while the New Year baby had already been admitted in the maternity ward, allowing close monitoring of the mother before delivery.

“We were happy to have at least one Christmas baby and one New Year baby. It gave us joy to welcome babies born on special days in the Catholic calendar,” Sr. Francesca said.

And the mothers who delivered during the festive period expressed gratitude to the hospital and donors for the support they received, including Christmas and New Year hampers.

One of the mothers, Beauty Hakangoni, who delivered on Christmas Day, said the assistance made her experience more memorable.

“It is good to give birth during Christmas because you receive gifts. I would like to thank everyone who gave us gifts. May God continue to bless them,” Beauty said.

Another mother, Lillian Hangoma, who delivered a baby girl on 1 January 2026, said she did not expect to give birth on New Year’s Day or to receive such support.

“I gave birth to a baby girl on 1 January 2026. I did not expect to receive such gifts, so I am very grateful,” Lillian said.

She said the delivery date came as a surprise, as she had anticipated giving birth on a different day.

“I thought I would give birth on another day, but the baby decided to be born on 1 January,” Lillian said.

Medical services during the festive period were provided by the maternity team working with Dr. Victoria Mumba.

Chikuni Mission Hospital serves surrounding rural communities in Monze District and continues to support government efforts in maternal and child health through faith-based healthcare delivery.