Noor* began experiencing labour pains early in the morning and felt anxious about her delivery due to the lack of medical assistance in her area.

Fortunately, the Mobile Health Team (MHT) was set to arrive in her village that day.

"I rushed to see the midwife as soon as I heard the announcement about the health team coming to our village," Noor recounted. Similar to her past deliveries, the pain and bleeding felt unusual, heightening her concern.

Noor, 29, was in the final stage of labour, but the intense contractions prevented her from reaching the health facility that day. However, everything changed with the arrival of the MHT in her village.

"When I met the midwife, she took my blood pressure and conducted a comprehensive examination of my overall health," Noor shared. The midwife then explained the birthing process to her. Still, due to Noor’s bleeding and the high likelihood that she would need a blood transfusion during delivery, she advised Noor to go to the Basic Health Center (BHC) in another village that could assist her with a Cesarean-section delivery, as the midwife thought it might be necessary.

For patients, especially those in labour who may require blood donations, the BHC offers some options for assistance. Noor’s husband reached out to his siblings for support with blood donation, if necessary, which boosted Noor’s confidence and encouraged her to head to the BHC.

Without any transport options, the MHT took Noor to the BHC, a primary care facility supported by the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. “I’m so grateful to the midwife who drove with me to the BHC,” she said. The presence of the MHT in her village and their referral to the BHC enabled Noor to arrive before any complications could arise.

"When Noor arrived at the BHC, she was bleeding, but I was able to address it swiftly before it became critical," a doctor at the BHC recalled. With the midwife's assistance, the doctor made sure Noor received the necessary support throughout the process, helping to prevent any complications.

Within an hour, the staff successfully managed the delivery. Although the surgery unit had all the necessary equipment to assist Noor if required, she was fortunate to give birth via normal delivery.

The UNFPA-supported MHTs are equipped to handle a range of maternal and reproductive health issues. However, in more severe cases where doctors and midwives determine the critical situation, they refer patients to other facilities to ensure safe delivery. The referral pathways established by the MHT play a vital role in directing Noor to the BHC, a more equipped delivery facility.

*Name changed to protect privacy.