Published on: 2026-05-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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“When I found out that I was pregnant, I became very scared because I knew that giving birth would be dangerous for me,” says 36-year-old Maombi Kidjidwa.
Years earlier, Maombi, together with her husband and thirteen children, was forced to leave their home in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after a nighttime attack by armed militias, during which relatives and friends were killed. After three exhausting days spent on the road, the family crossed the border with Burundi and found shelter in a refugee camp.
Doctors warned the couple that another pregnancy would be dangerous for her health – frequent childbirth seriously undermined Maombi’s health. “My body was exhausted, and I understood that if I continued to give birth at this pace, I might die. I prayed to find a way not to have more children,” recalls Kijidjwa in an interview with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
Investments in obstetrics as a way to reduce maternal mortality
Midwives are capable of providing practically the entire range of basic services in the field of sexual and reproductive health. However, in many countries, there is an acute shortage of specialists in this area, and it is estimated that at least one million midwives are lacking. Moreover, more than half of this shortage is concentrated in Africa, where some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world are recorded.
Despite these regional challenges, the maternal mortality rate in Burundi has decreased over the past 30 years and remains relatively low for the region; however, additional efforts are required to train midwives and increase awareness of their role among the population.
Maombi sought urgent medical assistance at the UNA-supported clinic in the refugee camp only in the late stages of pregnancy. Midwife Alin Niionkuru explained: “Some women come in only during labor and with complications, as they do not yet realize the importance of regular prenatal check-ups. However, we expect the situation to improve thanks to work with communities and increased awareness.”
Ensuring continuous medical care
In just a few weeks, births began in Maombi, and midwives who had undergone training in emergency obstetric and neonatal care were ready to assist her. “Our midwives work around the clock to provide help to pregnant women living in this camp,” Niyonkuru said. “We also inform mothers about the possibility of family planning after childbirth, since many women here experience pregnancies with insufficient intervals,” she added.
On average, the clinic handles no fewer than 15 births per week. Some women are admitted with serious complications requiring urgent medical care. However, thanks to medications, equipment, and professional training provided to UNFPA with the financial support of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the midwives are able to cope with such complications.
“These were very difficult labor pains, and I was praying the whole time for my life and the life of my baby,” Maombi said. “The midwife encouraged me and asked me to push carefully, and as a result, my baby was born. I am just happy that we both survived.”
Ee, a newborn son who became the hundredth child born in the clinic at the camp, is a clear testament to the important role of midwives in providing reproductive health services for displaced women living in difficult conditions.
Family planning and women’s health
Having received a consultation from the clinic’s obstetricians, Maombi decided to start using family planning methods to protect her health and continue taking care of her children.
Her husband, Mapenzi Salongo, noted that cultural and religious beliefs prevented him from realizing the importance of intervals between children – a misconception that cost many women their lives.
“Earlier we did not believe in family planning. I even lost my sister due to severe bleeding during childbirth. The doctor warned her that a new pregnancy would be dangerous, but we decided not to listen to this advice,” he said. However, seeing what dangers his wife was exposed to and the help she received, he changed his mind. “Now I try to convey to other men and religious leaders how important it is to protect women’s health,” he added.
Role of medical workers
The ongoing conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has forced tens of thousands of people to seek refuge in neighboring Burundi, which is already facing the consequences of climate crises, food insecurity, and an influx of refugees from other countries.
Today UNFPA and partners are providing assistance to more than 100,000 refugees living in Burundi. Healthcare workers help ensure safe childbirth, conduct consultations, perform obstetric ultrasound examinations, and provide other essential reproductive health services for women and girls.
Today, May 5, International Midwives’ Day is celebrated worldwide. This is an opportunity to remind about the key role in ensuring reproductive health and saving lives. Midwives not only help provide safe childbirth, but also reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, prevent the transmission of HIV from mother to child, and decrease the number of unnecessary cesarean sections, contributing to the strengthening of women’s health and communities.
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