Helmand, Afghanistan – In the small village of Khataki in Mosa Qala, Helmand, Freshta, a mother of three, endures a daily struggle to raise her children while navigating the challenges of everyday life.

 Freshta never planned to have more children. “Two were enough,” she explains firmly. “However, God’s will was different, and I became pregnant for the third time.” Despite her circumstances, she found solace in the care of midwives. “They gave me anemia pills and emotional support. It helped me stay strong,” she added.

In the ninth month of her pregnancy, Freshta, suffering from anemia and under the extreme stress of providing for her children, lost consciousness one day. When she regained consciousness, her young daughter was sobbing beside her. “I sent my daughter to call neighbours for help,” she says. The neighbours rushed her to the Khataki Bazar Family Health House (FHH).

Midwife Shakiba remembers the incident vividly. “Freshta arrived in distress. Her cervix was dilated, and the baby was in danger.”

The clinic staff acted swiftly. They administered oxytocin and monitored her labour closely. Within two hours, Freshta gave birth to a baby boy. “The baby was weak, so we resuscitated him immediately,” Shakiba explains. Within half an hour, when the infant’s condition improved, he was moved to the postnatal care room for monitoring.” Shakiba felt a profound mix of relief and accomplishment, her hands steady, but her heart racing, knowing that she had successfully guided life into the world.

The Khataki Bazar FHH where Freshta received lifesaving help is supported by UNFPA in partnership with the Government of Japan. This support helps provide accessible healthcare for Freshta and thousands of other women in rural and hard-to-reach areas in Helmand.

*Name changed for privacy reasons.