In the rural community of Geleto kebele, Afar Region, a young mother’s journey to safe motherhood began with a knock on her door. During a routine house-to-house health education and awareness-raising visit, the UNFPA and Maternity Foundation's (MF) mobile health team (MHT) discovered a young woman who was pregnant and in need of critical care.

Married at just 14, she had her first child at 15—her story is far too common in Ethiopia, where early marriage often leads to early pregnancy, posing serious health risks. Globally, 12 million girls under 18 marry each year, and adolescent mothers like her face higher risks of complications during childbirth. But with the dedication of the MHT, her story took a positive turn.

Recognizing her vulnerability, the MHT immediately stepped in. Throughout her pregnancy, they provided essential services, including iron supplements and regular antenatal care (ANC) check-ups. Just as importantly, they guided her toward an institutional delivery at a nearby health center, ensuring a safer environment for both mother and baby.

The outcome was a 3.5 kg healthy baby boy born without complications—a testament to the power of timely interventions and proper care. The young mother, who had followed every piece of advice from the mobile health team, found comfort in knowing she and her baby were safe.

But the care didn’t stop there. After delivery, the MHT continued to support the new mother with comprehensive postnatal care. The team ensured her baby received essential immunizations and provided her with counseling on family planning. She chose a long-acting reversible contraceptive, giving her the space to recover and focus on raising her newborn without the fear of another unintended pregnancy.

Now, months later, the young mother is adapting to her new role with confidence. She reports no health issues from her pregnancy and childbirth, thanks to the care she received. Her regular follow-ups with the MHT continue, ensuring she and her baby are thriving.

Her story highlights the transformative role that mobile health teams play in supporting adolescent mothers, particularly those who have experienced underage marriage and early pregnancy. The proactive approach of the MHT, from antenatal care to counseling on safe delivery and postpartum support, made all the difference in her life and her baby’s future.

This success story is part of the "Provision of integrated lifesaving sexual and reproductive health and rights services to emergency-affected populations in Afar Region" project, funded by the Spanish Development Cooperation Agency (AECID). The Mobile Health and Nutrition Units (MHNTs) of the Maternity Foundation, supported by UNFPA, have provided lifesaving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services across four districts in Zone 2. So far, 11,042 individuals have been reached with integrated SRH and gender-based violence (GBV) services, ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly young women and girls, receive the essential care and support needed to secure healthier futures.