Maternal health in Malawi - in pictures

The Closing the Gaps project, funded by the Big Lottery, ensures people from poor, rural communities can access maternal health services that are free of charge or subsidised. The project is being run in Malawi. In Mulanje, outside a local health centre, a group uses dance and theatre to educate mothers about preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

An actor plays the role of an HIV-positive mother about to give birth; the show stresses the importance of getting tested and receiving advice from local health workers Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

The show draws a large crowd of expectant and new mothers Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

At the end of the performance, the mothers wait to access the health facility where they receive free vaccinations and check-ups for the under-fives Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

Mothers weigh their babies to check that they are developing well. If there is a problem, health workers offer advice and nutritional support Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

Women attend an antenatal check-up at Lakeview health centre in Ntcheu district Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

Antenatal care at Chileka health centre in Blantyre district Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

Antenatal care at Chileka health centre Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

A newborn baby is weighed at Namasalima health centre in Mulanje district Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

A newborn baby, mother and family receive help at Chileka health centre Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

An under-fives clinic at Nsambe health centre in Neno district Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide

A newborn baby and mother in Kweneza village, near Nsambe health centre in Neno district Photograph: Corrie Wingate/Interact Worldwide