Protecting Every Child: Safety, Hope, and a Future Free from Malaria
By Nardos Delelegn Bogale and Getu Assefa, EngenderHealth Ethiopia
Raruba Mohammed is a 35-year-old mother living in a village in Ethiopia with her husband, Gaas Kalowita, and their eight children. Their youngest—a baby girl—had just arrived a week earlier when Raruba shared her story.
Like many families in her community, Raruba’s has had their share of struggles. Malaria has long been a constant presence, affecting both children and adults.
Two months before giving birth, Raruba herself fell ill. At the time, her household had just two bed nets—nowhere near enough to protect a family of ten. She made the difficult decision to prioritize her children, but even then, fear lingered in her home.
That changed when health extension workers, supported by EngenderHealth’s Lowlands Health Activity (LHA) project boosted house-to-house visits in her village. They didn’t just drop off supplies—they brought invaluable knowledge about how to protect her family. They explained the importance of using bed nets consistently, how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and how waste management contributes to a healthier home. And critically, they brought more bed nets.
“I now use the bed nets always, even during the day, for myself and my children,” Raruba says proudly.
For the first time in years, she no longer has to choose who gets to be protected.
Years of progress in strengthening community health systems and expanding access to sexual and reproductive healthcare has helped Raruba and countless others. Now, that work is at risk due to sudden USAID funding cuts. Learn more about the impact and what’s at stake.