Fatuma, a 29-year-old mother of seven, knows all too well the struggles of displacement. Once a resident of Bardera town in Somalia’s Gedo Region, she and her family were forced to flee their home due to unforeseen circumstances, seeking refuge in the Kabasa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) settlement in Doolow District. Life in the settlement has been far from easy. With an extended family of eight to care for, including her mother, nephew, and niece, Fatuma and her husband, a farmer, now rely on daily manual labor to survive.

However, amidst the hardships, a beacon of hope emerged—one that would not only save Fatuma’s life but also reshape maternal healthcare for countless women in similar circumstances. This transformation was made possible through the unwavering support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), whose funding enabled UNFPA to implement a life-saving emergency Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) project in partnership with Human Development Concern (HDC).

Fatuma’s journey took a critical turn when she arrived at the Kabasa Health Facility in labor. The facility, which had been strengthened through KOICA’s generous support, provided her with skilled birth assistance—something she had never fully experienced before. With a history of giving birth at home with unskilled traditional attendants, this was a defining moment in her life. The delivery was successful, and Fatuma gave birth to a healthy baby boy. But her joy was short-lived when she suffered from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality in crisis settings.

Thanks to the timely intervention of the dedicated healthcare workers at the Kabasa Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) center, Fatuma’s condition was swiftly managed, preventing what could have been a devastating outcome. The facility, equipped and staffed through the KOICA-funded initiative, had the resources necessary to handle such emergencies, ensuring that Fatuma received the quality care she desperately needed.

For women like Fatuma, access to skilled birth attendance is life-changing. The project, implemented by UNFPA and HDC, aims to address critical gaps in maternal healthcare by providing essential services such as safe delivery, emergency obstetric care, and protection against sexual and gender-based violence. The impact is profound, as it extends far beyond the individual—improving the well-being of entire families and communities.

Reflecting on the experience, Fatuma’s husband expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I never imagined the quality of treatment and care my wife received. I am very grateful for the support given to us by the healthcare workers at Kabasa.”

His words echo the sentiments of many families in the settlement who have directly benefited from KOICA’s commitment to strengthening health services in crisis-affected areas.

Fatuma’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. It is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and targeted humanitarian assistance. Through KOICA’s investment in maternal health, lives are being saved, futures are being secured, and a new standard of care is being set for women in IDP settlements.

As the world continues to grapple with humanitarian crises, the need for sustained support in healthcare remains urgent. Fatuma’s journey underscores the importance of continued investment in maternal and reproductive health services—ensuring that no woman, regardless of her circumstances, is left behind in her time of need.