In the serene landscape of Guben Village, located near Berhali Town in the Afar Region, thrives a vibrant community life, woven together by resilience and hope.  Among them is Fatuma Haji, a devoted mother whose journey toward health and wellness serves as an inspiration.

Her story highlights the unique challenges faced by the Afar people, predominantly pastoralists, whose  way of life complicates access to consistent healthcare services.

Fatuma, a 45-year-old mother of seven and grand-mother of two, juggles the demands of motherhood while managing the challenges of limited access to healthcare. 

After hearing about a mobile health intervention led by Osman M., a committed health officer, Fatuma decided to take her children to the mobile clinic visiting her village regularly. 

Bringing life-saving services closer to communities

UNFPA started supporting Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams in 2018 during the prolonged drought in the Somali Region. Currently, nine such teams operate across 3 regions - Afar, Amhara, and Somali - delivering essential maternal, newborn, and reproductive health services in hard-to-reach areas.Nearly 14,000 women and girls have benefitted from these services, which include critical support for survivors of gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The Mobile Health and Nutrition Team, run by Maternity Foundation with the support of UNFPA, provides maternal and sexual and reproductive health services such as antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, HIV/STI treatment, immunizations, and nutritional support for pregnant and lactating women. The team also addresses gender-based violence through medical care, counseling, and referrals, ensuring comprehensive support for vulnerable women and girls.

Fatuma had heard whispers of the vital services the team provided, particularly focusing on maternal and child health. However, she was uncertain about what to expect.

As Fatuma approached the makeshift clinic, she was filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. Osman, with his warm demeanor and reassuring smile,  made her comfortable and at ease. 

Osman and his team conducted a thorough assessment of Fatuma's health and that of her children, identifying and addressing a range of issues. From providing essential medical treatments to offering nutritional guidance and emotional support, the Mobile Health and Nutrition Team left no stone unturned in their efforts to empower Fatuma.

During their conversation, Fatuma shared her struggles. “I often fear for my children’s health, especially when they fall ill.” 

Osman empathized deeply with her  and patiently educated her on preventive care, nutrition, and the importance of regular health check-ups. In addition, Osman provided practical interventions, including vaccinations for her children and guidance on managing common illnesses. He taught Fatuma about proper hygiene practices and how to prepare nutritious meals using local ingredients. 

“You have the power to change your family's health,” he encouraged her.

Fatuma left the clinic that day not just with important medical support, but with newfound knowledge and a sense of empowerment. 

“Osman’s guidance opened my eyes to the health resources available to us. I felt I could finally take charge of my family's wellbeing,” Fatuma recalls with gratitude. 

With Osman’s support, she adapted her household routines and began implementing the recommendations he had made.

As weeks turned into months, Fatuma began to witness remarkable changes. Her children’s health improved, and she felt a sense of confidence she had not experienced before. Her journey provided not just physical healing but a resurgence of hope and determination within her family. 

Today, she is an active advocate for health and nutrition awareness in her village; she shares her knowledge with other mothers, encouraging them to seek help and prioritize their children's wellbeing.

Reflecting on her transformation, Fatuma states, “I want every mother to know they are not alone. If I can take charge of my family’s health, so can they. We are all capable of change.”

Osman reflects on Fatuma's journey with pride. "Stories like Fatuma's are why we do what we do. By reaching out to the most vulnerable communities, we are not only improving lives, but also empowering individuals to take control of their own health and well-being."