Azeb*, 30, recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy after receiving fertility treatment from the surge team in her hometown of Tigray. This milestone came after nine failed pregnancies due to miscarriages. Azeb had never thought she would be able to conceive and had suffered marginalization and social ostracism due to long-standing misconceptions associated with miscarriage and infertility in her community.
Her baby boy, now four months old, is in good health. She brings him to the facility for his regular monthly checkups and immunizations. We met and talked with Azeb during one of her visits to the health center for her child’s follow-up appointment. During the visit, she received advice on how to care for her baby and other health messages. Her baby also received his monthly vaccines, which protect him from infectious diseases.
Azeb’s story in her own words (Quotes):
"My name is Azeb. I gave birth to my baby boy about four months ago. Before this pregnancy, I experienced recurrent miscarriages, having more than nine failed pregnancies. At the time, it was very devastating for me and my partner. I had no idea what caused them and didn’t know that with proper treatment, it would be possible to conceive and give birth.”
“About a year ago, one of my neighbors told me about the surge team and the services they provide at the hospital. I learned about the fertility treatments available and decided to follow their advice. At the hospital, the doctor counseled me and conducted all the necessary tests. Based on the results, I was informed that I could conceive and give birth. Initially, I couldn’t believe what I heard, but over time, I became convinced and started receiving treatment. A few weeks later, I realized I was pregnant, and that was the happiest moment of my life.”
“Thanks to the dedicated health professionals here, after conducting all the necessary tests, they provided me with the treatments and medications that helped me conceive and give birth to my baby boy. The doctors cared for and treated me exceptionally well throughout my pregnancy. I attended all my antenatal checkups, where they regularly assessed my blood pressure and weight. They also monitored the fetus’s status and reassured me that the baby was in good health, advising me not to worry.”
“In the last week of my pregnancy, they recommended that I stay close to the hospital. When I went into labor, they assisted with the delivery, and I soon delivered a healthy baby boy without any complications.”
“I am grateful to God and the health workers for blessing me with the baby I had been dreaming of for so long. Thanks to their dedication and the advancements in medical science, I hope to soon become pregnant with my second child.”
“To women in a similar situation, my message is clear: seek medical treatment. With the right care, you can conceive and give birth. Avoid traditional healers, as this could have serious health consequences and pose risks to both the mother and the fetus.
What is Save the Children doing to help Azeb and others like her?
As part of the surge team strategy, Save the Children, with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is offering alternative health services to communities affected by the war in the Tigray region. In addition to providing free healthcare services to the community, the surge team is offering on-the-job training to health service providers at local health facilities. This effort aims to improve the local health system and eventually transfer skills to local health service providers.
The surge team delivers high-level surgical and medical services to the local community, addressing long-standing and chronic illnesses caused by a lack of access to healthcare. A result of the surge team’s efforts, many people have been relieved of their long-term medical complications, all free of charge.
The surge team initiative has proven to be both cost-efficient and effective in reaching individuals who lack access to basic health services due to prolonged conflict and other disasters in the area. In the past month alone, the initiative has made significant strides:
• 86 mothers received treatment for uterovaginal prolapse.
• [774 Major, 10477 Minor]] surgeries were successfully conducted.
• [53421] Children and adults were treated for various illnesses.
In addition to the services provided at the static health facility, the surge team also offers outreach health services to children and adults on a weekly basis. This consistent outreach ensures that even the most vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
