Kandahar, Afghanistan – In the remote village of Arghistan District, where health facilities are miles away, and traditions often keep women at home during childbirth, Burbanga, a 30-year-old mother, faced the most terrifying moment of her life during delivery. 

When labour took a punishing turn, family members tried to convince her to go to a clinic, but she refused, insisting she would manage to deliver at home. She did, but what followed nearly cost her life.

“I felt an unbearable pain in my abdominal area. Then I started bleeding heavily,” Burbanga recalled. “I felt weaker and weaker.”

Within minutes, she was pale and slipping out of consciousness. Realizing that Burbanga was in a life-threatening situation, the family members rushed her to the UNFPA-supported Jaragzai Family Health House (FHH), the health facility closest to them.

At the FHH, the midwife immediately recognized the critical condition Burbanga was in.

“Her life was in danger, and we did not have time to spare,” the midwife narrated. “Immediately, I administered medication, then we guided her on proper breathing and worked to stop the heavy bleeding. Every moment mattered.”

For three tense hours, the midwife and her team fought for Burbanga’s life. Slowly, signs of recovery appeared, her blood pressure rose, her pulse grew stronger, and colour returned to her face. Finally, Burbanga opened her eyes. She remained under close observation for 24 hours until she was stable enough to return home, alive and safe.

When Burbanga regained strength, the midwife sat with her and the family, thoroughly explaining the dangers of home births.

“I told them that complications can come without warning,” she said. “So the decision is they should come to a health facility to deliver without any doubt.” The family nodded, promising never to take the same risk again.

Giving birth in a health facility assisted by skilled birth attendants, such as a midwife, significantly reduces maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity as they offer immediate intervention for complications.

For Burbanga’s husband and children, her survival was nothing short of a miracle. “We could have lost her without the midwife,” the husband said with gratitude.

The family expressed deep gratitude for support from the European Union, in partnership with UNFPA, for the operation of the FHH. For the midwife, it was another powerful reminder of why her presence matters in these remote villages. 

Because every decision, every hour, and every heartbeat can mean the difference between life and loss.