Like most first-time parents, Monzila and her husband were excited to be having a baby. But giving birth at home without a midwife or doctor, the situation became dangerous.

She and her husband hadn’t been taught what to do during pregnancy or labour. Monzila did not have regular check-ups throughout her pregnancy, and no plan was in place for the delivery. Her family also had a misbelief that if an expectant mother ate too much it would cause complications for the baby. So Monzila was malnourished by the time she gave birth.

Their daughter was born weighing just 1.7kg – half the average weight for newborns. The baby was malnourished and suffered from not getting enough oxygen and nutrients before or during birth. Monzila and her newborn spent nine days in intensive care, but thankfully survived.

Many families in poverty like Monzila’s live in remote areas beyond the reach of traditional health services. They often can’t access it or can’t afford it.

Central and southern Asia have the second highest neonatal mortality rate in the world – a rate 10 times higher than Australia. The majority of these infant deaths are often connected to a lack of quality care at birth or in the first month of life. The lack of knowledge and awareness of the risks of pregnancy for women and their babies is a serious issue.

Two years later, Monzila fell pregnant with her second child. Luckily this time, a local Health Leader named Renuka helped Monzila. Using flash cards, she shared information about antenatal care and nutrition and encouraged Monzila to have regular check-ups with a doctor.

She helped the family plan for delivery at a health centre on top of a home back-up plan that included a skilled birth attendant and a safe birth kit. As a result, Monzila gave birth at the health centre to a healthy baby girl.

“If I had the opportunity to know these things earlier, I would not have been in so much danger during the pregnancy and birth of my first child,” said Monzila.

To support Opportunity's health programs and reach more women like Monzila with essential health knowledge and care, donate to our 2024 Christmas appeal.

Project supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).