World Vision’s Healthcare Programs Deliver Lifesaving Support for Mothers and Newborns

For Haylo, a mother of five, nothing matters more than the health and well-being of her children. 

Despite the challenges of living far from the Dimeka health centre in Hammer district, South Ethiopia, Haylo trusted the centre with all her five deliveries. Her last pregnancy was peaceful and she regularly followed up with her midwife.  

Her most recent pregnancy seemed to go smoothly, but one day, Haylo began experiencing pain.

A visit to the health centre revealed that she was in labour and she was admitted immediately. However, her labour lasted three gruelling days. When she finally gave birth, her midwife realised that the baby was distressed with meconium aspiration syndrome, a life-threatening condition where the baby inhales amniotic fluid containing meconium, blocking the airway.

In the past, such emergencies would have been dire, as the health centre’s outdated suction machine often failed when needed most. But everything changed when World Vision Ethiopia’s integrated multispectral drought response project, was funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). The centre received a range of medical equipment including a new reliable suction machine. This support came just in time. 

Health professionals acted quickly, using the suction machine to clear the blockage and save Haylo’s baby.  

"Thanks to the new suction machine, we no longer lose babies to simple complications like this. The stress and fear are now a thing of the past,” said the midwife who assisted Haylo. A relieved and delighted Haylo shared, “I am so happy to see my baby healthy, and I am very grateful.”

World Vision’s efforts extend beyond Dimeka. In the East Harerghe zone of the Oromia region, Kerima a dedicated midwife at Deder Health Centre, has also witnessed transformative changes. For years it was challenging to help mothers due to lack of proper diagnostic tools. Without an ultrasound machine, diagnosing potential was nearly impossible, forcing her to refer mothers over four hours away, an exhaustive and expensive journey.

All of that changed when World Vision provided the centre with an ultrasound machine, along with training on how to use it effectively. 

The machine has changed everything in the health centre. The midwives can now diagnose quickly and offer the necessary support. “In just a few months, I have performed ultrasound checks for 300 mothers. For five of them, we identified complications early and provided the necessary care, we might have lost these mothers, otherwise. 

“I am always happy to see my patients' reactions when they see their fetus for the first time through the ultrasound”, Kerima added. 

Beyond the equipment, the project has strengthened health services across the targeted districts of Oromia and South Ethiopia regions, reaching over 111,000 people, more than half of them children. Through such initiatives, World Vision Ethiopia continues to transform lives, ensuring mothers and newborns receive the care they deserve.

By Bethel Shiferaw, Communication Coordinator (HEA), World Vision Ethiopia