“I was five months pregnant when I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my abdomen. The pain was intense, radiating across my belly, and soon I felt nauseous.” It was a frightening moment for Salima and her family as they realized that something was seriously wrong.
Salima’s condition deteriorated quickly due to low blood pressure, sending her family into a panic. They knew she needed the care of a health professional, but they did not even have money to transport her to a health facility. When it seemed like hope was fading, Salima’s family learned about the Mobile Health Team (MHT) from a village elder.
“When we got the call from Salima’s family, our team was nearby. We gathered the medical supplies and quickly made our way to their home,” recalled Marwa Ishaqzada, a midwife with the MHT.
Upon arriving at Salima's home, the midwife quickly assessed her condition. “Her blood pressure was dangerously low; she urgently needed medical attention,” Marwa narrated.
Without hesitation, the midwife began an intravenous drip and administered other medications. Gradually, Salima's condition stabilized, and the atmosphere in the room shifted as her family watched her regain stability.
In the following days, 20-year-old Salima’s health improved, and Marwa closely monitored her pregnancy until delivery. Over the next few months, Salima received regular visits and care from the MHT, especially from the midwifery support provided by Marwa. The Government of Spain supports the MHT in partnership with UNFPA in Afghanistan.
The antenatal care she received gave Salima confidence and empowered her to care for herself and her two children despite her daily challenges.
Throughout this time, Salima attended three antenatal care sessions, where she was monitored for her health and pregnancy and received crucial prenatal care and health education. She learned about proper nutrition, self-care, and managing her pregnancy while caring for her young children.
Recently, the MHT received a call from Salima’s family that she had gone into labour. “I was in the village and quickly made my way to her home,” Marwa recalled. “When I arrived, she was in the final stages of labour.”
After an hour, Salima welcomed a healthy baby girl weighing three kilograms. This brought immense joy and relief to Salima and her family. The delivery proceeded without complications, and both mother and baby were healthy.
As Salima held her newborn daughter, she experienced a profound sense of peace she had never felt before, knowing she was not alone.
Salima's story is not just her own; it represents the assistance provided by MHTs to pregnant women in remote areas of Afghanistan who have limited access to maternal and reproductive health services. The support from MHTs fosters resilience, hope, and an unwavering determination to create a brighter future for their children.
