A three-day-old baby girl is receiving care from nursing staff at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka after her mother allegedly left the facility without her, sparking concern and debate online.
The infant was born on Friday, September 18, 2026, to a 27-year-old woman from Lusaka West.
According to the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Nancy Malitoli, nurses only realised the mother was gone when they were unable to find her during the night shift. By the following morning, it was clear she had departed without her newborn.
Baby Natasha Cared for by Hospital Staff
Malitoli confirmed that the baby is in good health, having entered the world at a birth weight of 2.7 kilogrammes. While awaiting a formal resolution, hospital staff have given the infant a name to hold onto in the meantime.
“The baby is in a very stable condition and was born weighing 2.7 kg, and we have just given her the name Natasha as we wait for the police to help in the investigation and location of her mother or their relatives,” Malitoli stated.
Nurses have taken turns feeding and attending to Natasha, ensuring she receives the care she needs during this uncertain period.
Lusaka police confirmed they received a report from the hospital administration and are now following leads in an effort to trace the baby’s mother or any known relatives. Natasha will remain at the hospital while the search is ongoing.
The case has drawn strong reactions from the public, with many urging people not to rush to judgement over the mother’s alleged decision.
Chansa Kakolo Kapembwa wrote:
“People are easily jumping into silly conclusions, ala women are going through a lot out there it could be mental, emotional or a financial challenge, let’s not think we are saints and can never do that, especially not knowing the condition in which she was the best we can do is pray that she comes back to take care of her little angel.”
Sharon J Wellingtons added:
“Maybe the mother went through postpartum depression or was struggling emotionally after giving birth, and that could have been why she ran away from the baby. We can never really know what she was going through at the time, so it’s important not to judge her too harshly.”
Not everyone was as sympathetic, however. Abigail Kasonde shared a different perspective:
“Mmmm the way I know labour I can’t do that nangu ni nga pita mumyunga to leave my child I can’t.”
