For the past six years, Abeba Bogale has served as a midwife at the Metti Health Center in Godere Woreda, Majang Zone of Ethiopia’s Gambella Region. The center provides care to nearly 80,000 people including communities from neighboring areas in the Southwest Region. But for many women, access to healthcare remains a distant dream due to poor road infrastructure, lack of transportation, and long-standing cultural barriers.
Abeba is more than just a midwife. She’s a trusted confidante, a mentor, and a compassionate presence in the lives of the women she serves. Young girls turn to her first for advice on sexual and reproductive health. Pregnant women light up when she visits their villages, eager to share their fears and dreams under her reassuring care.
“They see me as their sister,” Abeba says with a warm smile. “When they speak, I listen. When they are afraid, I reassure them. And when they deliver safely, we celebrate together.”
Each month, around 60 women give birth at Metti Health Center, many traveling long distances from remote villages where traditional practices still prevail. Abeba knows that gaining their trust is just as crucial as providing skilled medical care.
Thanks to UNFPA support, Abeba now conducts outreach using a mobile ultrasound machine, bringing antenatal care directly to women in remote health posts. She works closely with health extension workers and community leaders to ensure no woman is left behind.
“I didn’t have to travel far, she brought the ultrasound to our village,” says Apel Libdos, an expectant mother. “She confirmed that my pregnancy is healthy. Now at six months, I know we are in good hands.”
Abeba is not only a caregiver, she is also a mother. Currently pregnant and raising a three-year-old son, her personal journey deepens her empathy and strengthens her connection with the women she serves. “I understand their fears, their hopes, and the strength it takes to bring life into the world,” she says. Her lived experience fuels her dedication, making every interaction more personal and every life saved even more meaningful.
Building Capacity, Strengthening Care
Abeba’s commitment to maternal and reproductive health extends beyond childbirth. She provides family planning, postnatal care, and continuous support to women, understanding that comprehensive care is essential for their health and empowerment.
Capacity-building trainings supported by UNFPA have further strengthened her skills and those of her colleagues at Metti Health Center. These trainings have equipped Abeba with the knowledge and tools to deliver higher quality care and respond more effectively to the needs of her community.
“She is a deeply committed and empathetic healthcare provider,” says Mr. Tamru, the Medical Director of Metti Health Center.
Holding on to Hope
Despite the daily challenges, Abeba remains hopeful. With support from UNFPA and other partners, she continues her mission, driven by the dream of a future where every woman has access to quality healthcare, regardless of where she lives.
Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of compassion, commitment, and community connection.
