Aisha Mohammed, a 30-year-old woman living in Asan Gola Village located just a short distance from Abala Town of Afar Region, is a proud mother of six children. She has faced her share of challenges to ensure her children received adequate nutrition and accessible healthcare.

"I felt lost," Aisha recalls. "I wanted to do the best for my children, but I didn't know how." 

Aisha’s lot began to change for the better when a Mobile Health and Nutrition Team (MHNT) rolled into her village. Encouraged by her neighbors, Aisha decided to take her children and herself to the clinic for a check-up. She was provided by the team thorough health assessments, nutritional guidance, and valuable education on maternal and child health. 

A transformative approach on maternal and child health

In the heart of the Afar Region, nestled in the vibrant and resilient community of Asan Gola Village, a transformative initiative is taking root: a program supported by UNFPA in partnership with the Maternity Foundation called the Mobile Health and Nutrition Team (MHNT). This dedicated team is on a mission to combat maternal and child health issues in remote areas, ensuring that mothers and children receive the care they need to thrive.

The MHNT, made up of dedicated professionals like Halima Habib, a talented midwife in her mid-twenties, is committed to delivering essential healthcare services to pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. Alongside Halima, the team includes a pediatrician, a nutritionist, and trained community health workers. Together, they undertake regular outreach missions to provide maternal and child health interventions. Their key initiatives include antenatal care, postnatal support, nutritional counseling, and health education, serving as a crucial lifeline for families in need.

Throughout the session, Aisha spoke with Halima about her concerns regarding her children's health. 

Halima listens patiently to her clients like Aisha, offering reassurances and practical advice tailored to  their situation.  She discusses  meal planning, the importance of breastfeeding, and ways to incorporate more nutritious foods into  children's diets, among others.

After receiving treatment and guidance from Halima, Aisha felt a revitalized sense of hope. "Halima taught me how to nourish my children and improve their health," she reflects. "It wasn’t just a medical check-up; it was a turning point for our family.

"With the tools and knowledge she gained, Aisha implemented the changes Halima suggested, and within weeks, she noticed remarkable improvements in her children's energy and wellbeing.

"Our goal is to bring health and nutrition services directly to the people who need them most. We travel to these remote communities, offering a range of interventions, from basic medical care to maternal health support and educational programs," says Halima as she recounts the team's approach.

Community advocate 

The impact of the MHNT's work extends beyond individual cases like Aisha's. By bringing essential healthcare services to the doorsteps of rural communities, the team is making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Their dedication and commitment to improving the health and well-being in the region are a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by underserved populations.

Today, Aisha continues to shine as a beacon of hope in Asan Gola Village. She is now an advocate for maternal and child health in her village, sharing her experiences with other mothers and encouraging them to seek help. 

"The MHNT has truly changed my life. I am healthier, my children are healthier and I am better equipped to care for my family. I only wish more people in our community could benefit from their services."

Her journey reflects the positive influence of the Mobile Health and Nutrition Team, and the power of compassionate care and community support. With her children now thriving, Aisha looks to the future with gratitude and renewed optimism, eager to build a healthier legacy for generations to come.