Ruqiya’s story: A mother’s life saved thanks to UNICEF’s emergency health services

When 26-year-old Ruqiya Hassan was pregnant with her fourth child, she began suffering from intense pains that were unlike anything she had experienced with her previous three pregnancies. With her condition worsening, Ruqiya, who lives with her family in a rural village in Afgooye, Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia, decided to seek medical assistance.

“I was in a very bad situation,” recalled Ruqiya. “I had pain all over my body and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I asked my husband to take me to a health clinic so that my life and that of my unborn child could be saved.”

Against security threats, Ruqiya, accompanied by her husband, trekked 15-kilometre to get the clinic in Afgooye town. Seeing her condition, the health workers at the clinic quickly called for additional support. Ruqiya’s blood pressure was dangerously low and she also had other complications. Within hours, a referral vehicle had arrived with an experienced midwife and medicines.

“I was relieved to see the vehicle, the midwife, and all the other doctors and nurses working at the facility,” said Ruqiya. “For me, they were sent by God to save me and my baby. As soon as I saw them, I knew that my life and my baby’s life would be saved.”

Ruqiya was admitted to the facility for treatment of her illnesses and antenatal care. Two weeks later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she and her family named Nurdin Kassim Hassan. When they were ready to be discharged, Ruqiya was advised to stay close by so that the doctors and nurses could continue monitor her situation. She followed their advice and only returned to her village after she and her baby were given a clean bill of health.

In Somalia, one in every 12 women dies due to pregnancy-related causes, one of the highest fatality rates in the world. In 2018, thanks to the generous contribution from Kuwait, UNICEF and partners were able reach more than 25,000 women of child bearing age, including 3,850 pregnant and lactating mothers, such as Ruqiya, and 10,388 children under-5 with lifesaving health services. For the next two years, the Kuwait funding will continue helping UNICEF provide critical maternal, newborn and child health services for tens of thousands of Somali women and children, particularly those affected by natural disasters and conflict.

Link to original story.