In the rural farming community of Nyolema, 28-year-old Mariama Karmara lives with her husband and child. She is a subsistence farmer relying on seasonal harvests to support her household.
However, during her second pregnancy, she experienced severe weakness, loss of appetite, and swelling of her feet.
Her family’s limited income made it difficult to prioritize healthcare, and the nearest health facility, Kpetema Maternal Community Health Post (MCHP), is approximately four miles from her village.
Despite the long distance and poor road conditions, Mariama made the difficult decision to seek care after encouragement from a community health volunteer.
Upon arrival at Kpetema MCHP, she was warmly received by Nurse Lucy Korku, who conducted a thorough antenatal assessment and identified signs of nutritional deficiency.
Nurse Korku counseled Mariama on maternal nutrition. She administered multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women, supplied through RYDO-SL, with support from Bread and Water for Africa® in conjunction with MAP International.
She also emphasized the importance of regular antenatal visits and adherence to the supplements.
“Before coming to the clinic, I was afraid I would lose my baby. I had no strength to work or even cook,” Mariama recalled.
“After taking the supplements, I started feeling stronger. My appetite returned, and my body felt alive again.”
With consistent follow-up and continued supplementation, Mariama completed her pregnancy successfully and delivered a healthy baby girl without complications.
Today, she speaks proudly about her experience and encourages other women to attend antenatal care early.
“RYDO-SL and their partners gave me more than medicine; they gave me hope. I thank Bread and Water for Africa® and MAP International for remembering women like us in the villages.” Mariama said.
