In the heart of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where families live in temporary shelters, Dahaba’s journey of motherhood unfolded under the most challenging of circumstances. Having fled conflict, she was pregnant and faced a difficult reality—there was a dire lack of medical care in the camp, and the long, dangerous trek to the nearest health facility was beyond her reach. Giving birth in such conditions seemed like an impossible feat.
Yet, for Dahaba, the arrival of her baby would be marked not by fear, but by hope—hope made possible by KOICA’s commitment to providing life-saving maternal health services to vulnerable communities.
The Mobile Maternity Clinic: A Beacon of Hope
As her due date approached, Dahaba learned about the Mobile Maternity Clinic (MMC) at Qansaxley, a vital service established with support from KOICA and implemented by UNFPA, with further assistance from the Humanitarian Development Consortium (HDC). The clinic was a beacon of hope for pregnant women like Dahaba, offering safe and accessible maternal care in a place where healthcare resources were nearly nonexistent.
“I was so scared,” Dahaba recalls, “but when I heard about the mobile clinic, I felt a glimmer of hope. I knew this was the place where I could give birth safely.”
This mobile clinic, a lifeline funded by KOICA, became an oasis in the midst of uncertainty. Health promoters in the camp spread the word, nurturing trust within the community and reassuring expectant mothers like Dahaba that they would be cared for with the utmost professionalism and compassion.
A Safe Birth and a New Beginning
When the time came for Dahaba to deliver her baby, she was guided by the support of her neighbors to the Qansaxley MMC. There, she was met by skilled midwives and healthcare workers who had been trained to provide comprehensive, empathetic care. Dahaba was not alone—she was surrounded by people dedicated to ensuring that both she and her newborn would be safe.
“The moment I entered the clinic, I felt at peace. The staff were so kind, so knowledgeable. They made me feel like everything would be okay,” Dahaba says. “And it was. I gave birth to a healthy boy, and we were both well taken care of after the delivery.”
Dahaba’s birth was a success. Both mother and child emerged healthy, and postnatal care followed, which was crucial for ensuring their well-being. Dahaba was educated about breastfeeding, postnatal care, and family planning, giving her the knowledge to care for her newborn and to plan for the future.
Empowering a Community
Dahaba’s experience didn’t just change her life—it became a powerful story of hope for others in the camp. “When I shared my story with other women, they started to believe that they, too, could give birth safely. I told them about the care I received and the relief I felt,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about me—it was about giving everyone hope.”
Her husband, too, expressed his gratitude for the care they received. “I never imagined my wife would receive such quality care, especially in these difficult circumstances,” he shares. “I am so thankful to the healthcare workers at Qansaxley MMC for everything they did for us.”
The Ripple Effect of KOICA’s Support
Dahaba’s story is just one of many that highlight the profound impact of KOICA’s support. Through its funding, in collaboration with UNFPA and HDC, KOICA has provided not just medical care, but a renewed sense of hope and empowerment to the women and families in this IDP camp.
Dahaba’s story, and those like hers, show what can happen when communities receive the care they need. Thanks to the collaboration between KOICA, UNFPA, and HDC, a new dawn has risen for mothers and babies in the camp—one filled with health, hope, and the promise of a brighter future.
“I used to be afraid for my child’s future,” Dahaba reflects. “But now, I feel empowered. Thanks to KOICA, UNFPA, and HDC, I know that my son and I have a chance to thrive.”
Her words are a testament to the power of international solidarity, and to the transformative impact that a simple act of care can have on an entire community.
