Guest post by Rebecca Ball, Red Cross blogger
As we mark International Women’s Day, we want to share this moving story from Mali, where we are working to improve the lives and overall health of both women and children.
In the Sikasso district of Mali, Abou, a Red Cross health site volunteer responsible for monitoring the health of expecting mothers and children in nearby villages, was informed about a woman named Mama who was in labour two weeks prior to her expected due date. The woman was bleeding excessively, and Abou knew she was at risk of losing both the baby and her own life.
Realizing her husband was absent and a Red Cross care site ambulance was already dispatched more than 80 km away, Abou had to quickly come up with an alternative. With the help of a Malian Red Cross volunteer, Abou transported Mama to the Klela health centre by motorcycle, located several kilometres away.
Here they found medical personnel and the appropriate conditions for a safe delivery. Just a few short hours later, Mama gave birth to a healthy baby boy and was able to return home to her family shortly thereafter.
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The two volunteers evacuating the woman in labour by motorcycle.
Baby Ibrahim 72 hours after birth.
Mama Traore full of joy with her son Ibrahim who at 17 months is in perfect health.
This is just one of many personal stories and examples of a potential tragedy averted that highlight the hard work and dedication of Red Cross volunteers and our programs to support them.
Our Maternal, Newborn and Child Health programs in Africa, in partnership with ministries of health and Red Cross Red Crescent Societies, serve to strengthen health systems where most needed, and in turn, help save lives.
Learn more about the
Canadian Red Cross’ efforts to improve the lives of women and children in Mali.