The joy that comes with safe motherhood
Restoring essential health services and building a brighter future for mothers and children in Ethiopia
In conflict-affected areas of the Amhara region, UNICEF, with support from the European Union, is restoring essential health services for women and children. Thirty-two Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) blocks and one Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have been constructed and fully equipped to strengthen maternal and child health care. At Shumsheha Health Centre, near the town of Lalibela, we met mothers and healthcare workers as a newly built MNCH facility becomes operational.
Rahemet Demam, 23, is in labour and expecting her first child inside the newly built MNCH facility at Shumsheha Health Centre. “I am a little anxious because this is my first time,” she says. “I came to the health centre early this morning with my mother and my husband.”
“All the pain is gone. I am glad that I gave birth here. The facility is neat, and the health workers are caring.”
A few hours later, her little bundle of joy arrives, a baby boy. “All the pain is gone,” says Rahemet, looking affectionately at her baby. “I am glad that I gave birth here. The facility is neat, and the health workers are caring.”
Fatuma Ibrahim shares the same joy as she welcomes her first child, a baby boy named Ali. On the day the newly built MNCH facility was inaugurated, three babies were born, including the sons of Rahemet and Fatuma, marking a hopeful milestone for the community.
While Rahemet and Fatuma celebrate the arrival of their newborns, Tamir Telake visits the same facility for regular antenatal care. Now in her ninth month of pregnancy, she receives support from midwives Meselu and Abebe as she prepares to welcome her baby in the coming weeks.
“Having a facility like this means so much for women and children in our area,” says Meselu. “We now have the space and equipment to provide quality care safely and properly.”
Across conflict-affected areas of the Amhara region, UNICEF, with support from the European Union, continues to restore and strengthen health services. At Shumsheha Health Centre, the fully equipped MNCH block has eased pressure on the older, overcrowded facility and significantly improved the quality of care for mothers and children.
As Rahemet begins her journey into motherhood, her husband stands by her side, supporting her from day one. For families like hers, restoring essential and life-saving health services goes beyond medical care. It restores hope. Access to quality health services helps families rebuild their lives and lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future.
