Birthing Kits - providing a clean and safe birth

Karel,  a long term friend and supporter of BKFA, has recently visited Uganda where she spent a week with BKFA field partners, the Rotary of Makindye.

She says:

“In one word it was inspiring.  Their commitment to serving the community, as well as the resources and passion they bring to making the world a better place is beyond impressive.

I was able to meet with the leadership and members of Rotary of Makindye to discuss the Birthing Kit and their very effective distribution. We spent two days travelling throughout rural areas meeting with women’s education projects and entrepreneurial ventures.  What is truly impressive as a public health initiative is that the Birthing Kit initiative is value-added into existing community programs where women are in leadership positions, are empowered and are mutually supportive.  The members of Rotary of Makindye are not outsiders; they are partners with these grass roots community groups and therefore respected and trusted.  The distribution of the kits is effectively interwoven into these community groups.  I could not imagine a more effective model for health status change on both a community and individual level.x

I cannot speak more highly of any group than Rotary of Makindye.  You can be assured that the kits donated by BFKA are part of dedicated and caring commitment to serve humanity and make the world a better place especially for women and children”

BKFA is thrilled to receive such positive feebdack from the field.

BKFA partner, Peach Aid (Nigeria) reports ‘good changes’ as kits are received and health workers are trained

600 kits were provided by BKFA in support of communities in the Anambra and Ebonyi states, Nigeria. These were distributed to primary health care centres where training was provided. Peach Aid reports fewer childbirth related infections in both beneficiary communities and successful training in the use of the birthing kits. But, there is still work to be done. Women are more willing to deliver in the health facilities now than ever, but many still give birth at home. Peach Aid hopes that in time, more women will present at health facilities to ensure a better chance of a safe and clean birth.

We hear from one young mother, how the birthing kit helped her to deliver safely.

“My name is Nnenna. My mother is a traditional birth attendant. When I received the birthing kit from Peach Aid because I was pregnant, I decided to go and deliver in the health facility so that I can use what they gave me. The day I started labour, even though my mother did not like my plan, my friend took me to our health facility and they went and called the nurse. She came and I gave her my birthing kit. I saw when she used everything inside it to help me deliver my baby girl. She tied the rope in the cord before she cut it, she was wearing the hand-gloves too and she used the black bag to lay for me to lie down before I started giving birth. I like the feeling because I was using something from overseas to give birth. I was not afraid because I know what is inside the birthing kit will not allow me to die. I thank Peach Aid for helping us. My baby is happy too”

Women like Nnenna can have the opportunity of a clean and safe childbirth, if a Birthing Kit is available to them.  For just $3, BKFA can provide one kit.  Without the support of our donors, our work cannot be done.  Thank you for supporting BKFA

Links:

• The website for Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia)