A Journey to Motherhood: Overcoming Challenges with Accessible Healthcare

In Northeast Nigeria, Borno State remains the worst affected state by the ongoing armed conflict which has been shattering the region for the past decade, and by the subsequent large-scale protracted humanitarian crisis. With 3 397 531 million Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (April 2024, IOM, NEMA), and 7.9 million people in need of humanitarian aid (2024 OCHA), 83% of whom are women and children, Nigeria is facing a long-lasting multi-dimensional crisis. 

Première Urgence Internationale aims to contribute to improving the health and nutrition status and protective environment of the conflict-affected population in Borno State. Our teams help improving access to protection services and free comprehensive essential health care, including sexual and reproductive health and nutrition services in Monguno. 

Ya-Fanna and her newborn baby at PUI Gana-Ali health facility

“I never stopped hoping”

The testimony of Ya-Fanna, a young mother helped by Première Urgence Internationale  

“My name is Ya-Fanna, and my journey to motherhood was not easy. I was 21 years old when my husband, Bamuda, and I were forced to leave our home in Kukawa village because of the insurgency. We ended up in the Water Board IDP Camp in Monguno LGA, trying to start over. But along with everything else, I had to face pain of losing several pregnancies during our five years of marriage. Each time feels devastating, and the sadness was overwhelming.  

Despite everything, I never stopped hoping. I heard about the free Sexual and Reproductive Health services provided by Premiere Urgence Internationale in Gana-Ali Public Health Centre.  I decided to go there, hoping they could help.

When I arrived, I received a warm welcome. The skilled birth attendants listened to my story and reassured me that they will do everything possible to help me through my pregnancy” remembers the young woman.

Ya-Fanna received the support and medical attention she needed throughout her pregnancy. Regular antenatal check-ups helped monitor her health closely, ensuring that any complications were addressed promptly. Our teams provided not only medical care but also emotional support, understanding the challenges she had faced in her journey to conceive. 

“With the Première Urgence Internationale team by my side, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Holding him in my arms for the first time was the most incredible feeling. Bamuda and I were so happy we could hardly believe it; our dream had finally come true. Thanks to the expertise and dedication of the staff who were by my side throughout the process,” said the new mother.  

Since the beginning of 2024, almost 25 000 consultations have been carried out in Gana-Ali Public Health Centre. 

These activities were implemented thanks to BHA.