A Better Start for Moms and Babies

Rose and David live in rural Mozambique and have been blessed with a large family of seven children. But along with that blessing has come much pain and suffering, especially for Rose.

In many communities, pregnant women and mothers have limited access to health care, and there remains a strong reliance on traditional folk medicine.

“All we knew here was traditional medicine, and we used local, traditional healers. I never understood the power behind good nutrition and proper health care," explained Rose.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, across the globe a woman dies during pregnancy and childbirth every 90 seconds because of the lack of proper nutrition and adequate health care.

“World Renew is compelled by God’s deep passion for justice and mercy to work with communities around the world as they seek to improve their lives,” said World Renew-Canada director Ida Kaastra-Mutoigo.

“Because many systemic justice issues affect these efforts and since the role of women’s health and economic well-being is critical for flourishing families and communities, we’ve made strengthening programs and advocating for better policies in maternal and child health one of our top priorities,” she added.

After six very difficult pregnancies, and then nearly losing a child to a preventable illness, Rose and David were happy to learn that World Renew was starting a nutrition program in their community for pregnant women and young children.

When the call went out for community volunteers, Rose and David reflected on their own experiences with pregnancy, delivery, and infant health.

“We thought back to those years when our firstborn, Jaime David, was born nineteen years ago, how we suffered from pregnancy to bringing him up. . . . We thought of our daughter Catarina David, who is now 16 years old, how she almost died from diarrhea. . . . We thought of our other children . . . all of whom we delivered at home with no help of a nurse. We suffered a lot” Rose recalled.

So Rose “never hesitated” and immediately volunteered to join World Renew’s maternal health initiative, with David’s support and encouragement.

It seemed natural that Rose would be the one to do the training, but a sudden illness during her most recent pregnancy prevented her from going. So David went in her place.

During the initial five-day training, David learned about the importance of good nutrition and regular checkups throughout pregnancy. He also learned how to monitor the health and well-being of infants, and how to spot malnutrition and diseases early on.

When he returned from the training, David was eager to put it to good use. He encouraged Rose to go to her monthly antenatal care appointments, and he even accompanied her, which made Rose very happy -- and the neighbours rather curious!

David and Rose took advantage of that curiosity and shared their newfound knowledge with their neighbors, encouraging them to participate in the Maternal and Child Health Program too.

A few months later David and Rose joyfully welcomed their seventh child, a daughter, whom they named Angelina. Angelina was born healthy and without any difficulties at the local health clinic. Seeing how proper maternal care has benefited their lives, Rose and David are now champions of maternal health initiatives in their community, and they have been helping to change attitudes surrounding women’s health.

David, in particular, has been instrumental in this effort. He has been a support for his wife, throughout her pregnancy and in caring for the children, and he has shown remarkable dedication in his volunteer work. He travels to a neighboring town to teach what he has learned about maternal and child health, and he helps to weigh pregnant women and babies at the clinic.

Most importantly, Rose and David have a sense of pride in what they have accomplished together for the health of their family -- and for the families in their community.

“On Mother's Day, World Renew celebrates the outstanding efforts of women and mothers around the world, many of whom live in the most challenging contexts, as they diligently serve their families and communities," said Kaastra-Mutoigo.

Learn more at World Renew’s Maternal and Child Health Sunday resources page.