The MaterCare maternity clinic in Merti is an active and shining beacon to mothers experiencing high risk pregnancies. This month, the maternity ward was full of women and their families as they delivered newborns in the safe and clean environment of our clinic. The staff, Sister Jacinta and Chukaliza (pictured), are dedicated and experienced midwives and medical professionals that continue to put the care of mothers and their children above all else. They are pictured here, proudly displaying literally armfuls of new deliveries.
Even though we are experiencing a doctor shortage here in Canada, the struggle to practice medicine in concurrency with practice the Catholic faith are still very real. Globally, many doctors are being forced from their positions. It takes courage and conviction to stand up for what is right. Our projects serve as beacons of hope, shining examples of what is possible. The comprehensive obstetrical care we’ve been promoting for decades and made into a reality in Isiolo are at last being recognized as the only meaningful and coherent way to reduce maternal mortality. In November, the World Health Organization finally officially acknowledged the need for comprehensive maternal health care. Stating that, "Antenatal care is a critical opportunity for health providers to deliver care, support and information to pregnant women." And that, "Last year, an estimated 303 000 women died from pregnancy-related causes, 2.7 million babies died during the first 28 days of life and 2.6 million babies were stillborn. Quality health care during pregnancy and childbirth can prevent many of these deaths, yet globally only 64% of women receive antenatal (prenatal) care four or more times throughout their pregnancy."
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Christmas Comes Early for Merti Mothers
