Thursday July 11, 2024
In the heart of Beledweyne, amidst the turmoil and despair following the devastating floods, Hamtha’s story stands out as a testament to the resilience and transformative power of accessible healthcare. Displaced from her home in KalKaal IDP camp, Hamtha, a 38-year-old Somali woman, encountered a lifeline through UNFPA’s outreach team, supported by SBACO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
In December 2023, as Hamtha and her family grappled with the aftermath of the floods, losing their livestock and home, their future seemed bleak. With six children to care for and no resources, Hamtha faced the additional challenge of being four months pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, all while nursing a ten-month-old baby.
“I was worried that my husband did not have any money to take me for treatment when I started complaining of pain,” Hamtha shared. “It was great to receive the health team's free health checkup and medication. I can now be confident with my unborn baby because of the advice I received and the assurance of getting free delivery service from trained midwives at the facility.”
Upon meeting Hamtha outside her tent, the outreach team provided a quick assessment and advised her to visit the temporary BEmONC facility set up at the IDP camp. There, a doctor diagnosed her with Braxton-Hicks contractions and provided medication to ease her pain. The team’s continuous support didn’t end there; they ensured she received follow-up checks every two weeks.
The outreach team also engaged Hamtha’s husband in discussions about family planning. Initially resistant, he eventually understood the importance of healthy spacing of children and avoiding pregnancy complications, thanks to the team's persistent and compassionate efforts.
UNFPA's interventions, made possible through the generous support of Global Affairs Canada, have been instrumental in delivering essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations. These efforts are about providing medical care and educating and empowering families like Hamtha’s.
Hamtha’s journey with the outreach team is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that coordinated humanitarian efforts can have. It underscores the importance of supporting such initiatives, ensuring that families like Hamtha’s can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.