Fund Life Saving Maternal Care for Women in DRC

The team at Hope For Our Sisters Inc., in partnership with the team at the Wellness Clinic in Goma, DR Congo is pleased to bring you our latest impact report for our project to "Fund Life-Saving Maternal Care for Women in DRC". This program prevents maternal health complications like fistula and obstructed labor, poor infant outcomes, and maternal and child deaths, by giving pregnant women a place to seek prenatal care and assisted deliveries without fear of being unable to pay. The program's maintenance and efficacy would not be possible without each of you and your generosity.

To close out 2023, between October and December, 608 women had assisted births at the Wellness Clinic, with 174 being cesarean births. Additionally, 14 women elected to have tubal ligations, which is an important procedure in empowering families to have control over their fertility. To kick off 2024, the team had a busy January with 152 assisted births (57 cesarean births) and 2 tubal ligations. Each of these numbers represents a woman whose life has been touched by hope for a brighter, healthier future for herself and her family.

For this project report, we are pleased to share that the two women who received free cesarean assistance were both in particular need. These beautiful ladies, Seema and Sabrina, have both been displaced from their homes by the political unrest that has plagued DR Congo for several years now. The M23 rebels have destroyed many homes and livelihoods, which presents extreme challenges for women of childbearing age who can neither seek stable prenatal care nor routinely afford assisted deliveries. Sabrina lives in a displaced persons' camp, and has had a cesarean delivery before. It is routinely recommended that such women not undergo a vaginal birth again, as there is a risk for severe maternal injuries and death. Seema has complex anatomy and was carrying a full-term and large baby girl - it was very possible that without a cesarean section available, she could have ended up in obstructed labor, losing her child and developing a fistula, or worse. Both women expressed sincere gratitude for the generosity of investors like you who made their care financially accessible. It is not an overstatement to suggest that this care may have saved their lives.

We are committed to bringing you updates on your impact in this project every four months. As always, we welcome your feedback or suggestions to Cara, one of our Board members, at cbrooks@hopeforoursisters.org. For more regular updates on all of our programs, please visit our website and sign up for our Constant Contact updates 1-2 times per month, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@brookehfos).

Thank you again for your incredible generosity and support of this cause, this clinic, and this precious community.

With Hope,

Cara Brooks

Links:

• HFOS Homepage