Transforming Maternal Health in Oromia

In the rural communities of Oromia Region, access to quality maternal healthcare has historically been limited, leading to high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Our Maternal Health Initiative has transformed this reality for thousands of women and their families.

The Challenge

When we began working in the Oromia Region in 2018, we found that only 15% of women were delivering their babies with skilled birth attendants present. Many women had to walk more than 10 kilometers to reach the nearest health facility, often in difficult terrain. Traditional practices, while culturally important, sometimes posed risks to maternal and infant health.

Limited awareness about the importance of antenatal care, combined with shortages of trained healthcare workers and essential supplies, created a challenging environment for safe motherhood.

Our Approach

Working closely with the Ministry of Health and local communities, we implemented a comprehensive maternal health program with several key components:

• Infrastructure Improvements: Renovated and equipped 5 health centers with maternal health facilities, including delivery rooms and essential equipment
• Healthcare Worker Training: Trained 30 healthcare workers in emergency obstetric care and 50 traditional birth attendants in safe delivery practices and referral protocols
• Community Health Workers: Recruited and trained 45 community health workers to conduct home visits, provide education, and facilitate referrals
• Community Engagement: Established women's groups in 25 villages to discuss maternal health issues and develop local solutions
• Transportation Solutions: Created an emergency transport system using locally available vehicles to help women reach health facilities during labor

The Impact

After four years of implementation, the results have been remarkable:

Beyond these statistics, the program has transformed attitudes and practices around maternal health. Women now have greater knowledge about their health rights and needs, and communities actively support maternal health initiatives.

Halima's Story

Halima, a 28-year-old mother of four, experienced dangerous complications during her first three deliveries, all of which took place at home. When she became pregnant with her fourth child, a community health worker visited her regularly, educating her about the importance of antenatal care and facility-based delivery.

During her eighth month of pregnancy, Halima developed high blood pressure. Thanks to regular check-ups at the health center, this was detected early, and she received appropriate care. When she went into labor, the emergency transport system quickly brought her to the health center, where skilled providers managed her delivery safely.

"I never knew that giving birth could be so different," says Halima. "With my previous children, I was in pain for days, and I feared for my life. This time, I felt safe and cared for. My baby and I are healthy, and I tell all the women in my village to go to the health center."

Looking Forward

Building on the success of this initiative, we are expanding the program to additional districts in the Oromia Region. We're also developing enhanced components focused on adolescent reproductive health and nutrition during pregnancy.

The local health authorities have integrated many of the program's approaches into their standard practices, ensuring sustainability. Community ownership remains strong, with village health committees taking increasing responsibility for maternal health promotion.