Kabale’s Story: Healthcare Facility Delivery Saved Lives in Ethiopia

By Amina Kanpise Arero, Wondimu Chirfa Tolera, Gizachew Balew Jembere, Kate O’Connell, Danielle Garfinkel

The Reach, Expand, and Access Community Health (REACH) program in Ethiopia’s Jimma and Borena zones aims to ensure access to information and services for integrated sexual and reproductive health and rights, menstrual hygiene management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) services for women and young people.

Through program initiatives, we are addressing barriers to services faced by women and young people in underserved areas and fostering an environment where they can access high-quality care.

Kabale is a 30 year-old, married woman from Bokosa kebele of Dubuluk woreda, Borena zone. She was displaced from her village following a devastating drought that extended for more than three years and has been living in a site for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 

Kabale became pregnant and, like many women in Ethiopia, she was not planning to give birth at a health facility. After she received information about the risks of home delivery, she went to the IDP health post for antenatal care (ANC). The health extension workers there referred Kabale to the Dubluk health center, where Kabale was deemed high risk and referred to Yabelo General Hospital.

At the hospital, the obstetrician informed Kabale that both her twins were in a footling breech position. The medical teams closely monitored Kabale, providing her with the care she needed to safely deliver a baby boy and baby girl. 

“If I had not been informed about the benefits of ANC follow-up and delivering at a health facility, I would have continued with my usual practice of delivering at home. Unfortunately, this could have led to life-threatening complications, as I was informed by the health professionals,” Kabale said. 

“The advantages of delivering at a health facility became abundantly clear to me. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the healthcare professionals who played a pivotal role in my safe delivery. I urge all pregnant women to embrace ANC follow-up and give birth at health facilities under the care of skilled professionals.”

Commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is Crucial for a Better Future for All 

Kabale’s story show us that while the ongoing conflict, drought, and humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia disproportionately affects women and girls, strategic and ongoing support for sexual and reproductive health and rights, including maternal, newborn and child health, can be a beacon of hope for community members.

EngenderHealth’s contributions have led to life-changing, positive outcomes not only for individual women and girls but also for their families, communities, and the nation at large. As Ethiopia continues to navigate its complex challenges, sustained commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights efforts is crucial for fostering resilience and building a healthier, more equitable future for all Ethiopians. 

Read other inspiring stories from Ethiopia from our blog “Overcoming Barriers to SRHR in Ethiopia.”