By Alex Sanderson | Assistant to CEO at Kids for Kids
Midwives training progressing well - Thank You!
Last time we wrote, the new group of midwives were just about to start their training. Here is the latest from the training school in El Fasher. Our local programme leader tells us: "It is always very encouraging to watch these women progress. Those ladies who were illiterate are now well on the way to being able to read and write. All 40 midwives this season are working very hard, showing great dedication to their studies. Four of the new recruits have already assisted with a birth, and all four mothers produced healthy babies."
In Darfur, there is no healthcare in the villages. Young women get married early and face the prospect of childbirth with a traditional birth attendant who has had no training - not even the basics of hygiene and first aid. With FGM (female genital mutilation) widespread in the region, there is a high risk of obstructed labour, and in difficult cases rope delivery is the only help. Permanent damage to mother and child are common and many do not survive. Our CEO Patricia says "I can't begin to imagine how fearful these mothers must feel as the time approaches for their children to be born."
Kids for Kids has been training midwives since 2002 and these amazing women are saving lives. Our partnership approach with the Health Authority in El Fasher, the regional capital of North Darfur, means the training school we built there is well respected. We pay half the cost per midwife with the State Ministry of Health paying the other half, which demonstrates the local commitment to providing better care, and results in respect and recognition for the midwives who qualify. We also provide our midwives with the absolute essentials - their medical kit, a solar lantern for night time deliveries, and a strong cross-bred donkey to reach patients further away, strong enough to pull the 'ambulance' to reach help quickly in an emergency. They are very proud of their white uniform (a sari or tobe made of cotton) but especially love their leather sandals! Midwives tell us that people stay in their villages now, because they know they have a better chance.
When our midwives return to their villages they will be amongst the most respected people in their communities. Kids for Kids' midwives are trained in baby care too. Many mothers in desperation feed their babies unsuitably and some die because they cannot digest properly. Because they are local women, respected in their own communities, their teaching of the dangers of FGM is believed and in our villages it is a dying tradition.
Can you help us equip this season's new trainees and save more women and babies in Darfur?
$3,050 pays for the full training of one midwife to save lives and teach hygiene, including her kit, uniform and leather sandals. You will know you are saving many babies from premature death, and many young mothers from the risk of fistula.
$612 buys a donkey ambulance to help women in labour get to hospital quickly
$245 pays for a strong cross-bred donkey to help a midwife reach her patient quickly
$230 supplies a midwife with a solar lantern for night time deliveries
Every penny helps, and your gift goes a long way in Darfur.
Thank you for your support!
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