In Burao, Togdheer, 28-year-old Shukri Adan Siciid has come to associate pregnancy and childbirth with confidence rather than uncertainty. A mother of three, she has built a steady relationship with Burao Hospital, where all her children have been safely delivered. Through support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the hospital continues to provide essential maternal and newborn health services to women and families in the community.
During her most recent pregnancy, Shukri made it a priority to attend every scheduled antenatal care (ANC) visit without fail. Each month, she was reviewed by health workers, her pregnancy closely monitored, and her baby’s development assessed. Over time, these consistent visits strengthened both her trust in the hospital and the clinical team’s ability to track her health and anticipate any risks early.
A midwife at the hospital noted Shukri’s commitment to care and the importance of continuity during pregnancy. She explained that regular ANC attendance allows health workers to detect complications early and ensure both mother and baby remain safe throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period. She emphasized that staying connected to health services beyond delivery is just as important for long-term maternal and child health.
After giving birth, Shukri and her newborn were kept under observation and received postnatal care. Both were reported stable and healthy. Reflecting on her experience, she shared her satisfaction with the care she has consistently received:
I attended all my antenatal visits and felt supported throughout my pregnancy. The health workers followed my progress closely, and when the time came to deliver, I felt safe and confident. Having all my children born here gives me peace of mind because I trust the care and the people who provide it," said Shukri.
Beyond childbirth, Shukri continues to bring her child for routine check-ups, growth monitoring, and immunization follow-ups. She also accesses family planning services at the facility, describing the hospital as a trusted partner in her family’s health journey, from pregnancy through early childhood development.
For Shukri, access to quality maternal and child health services has provided reassurance at every stage of motherhood. Her story demonstrates how sustained investments in healthcare help ensure that mothers and newborns receive the care they need to survive, thrive, and build healthier futures.
