Near East Foundation

People We Serve

Dar Es-Salaam: Sakina’s Story

Sakina, 21 years old, is originally from South Darfur, which she left in her early teens to join relatives who had immigrated to the Khartoum area. At 13 she was married to a brick mason.

Sakina lives with her two children, ages seven months and three years, in an isolated area of Dar El Salaam El Rabwa. She has a single neighbor to keep her company. Her husband’s work keeps him away from home: the last time he visited was for the birth of their second child. The family’s income seldom exceeds $25 a month.

Sakina heard about the Community Health Center when one of the staff visited her. Four months pregnant with her first child and concerned about her own health, Sakina was told about the available pre-natal services and encouraged to visit the center, where she found the staff friendly and welcoming. They helped her improve her own health and encouraged her to continue with follow up visits. Over time, she developed a friendship with one of the center’s trained midwives. Before her second child was born, Sakina began coming to the center four months into her pregnancy for exams, classes, and counseling. She gave birth in the center’s new delivery room assisted by the doctor and one of the new professionally trained midwives. She has continued to receive regular examinations and care for herself and her children.

Sakina is grateful for the help she receives. Health educators have taught her the importance of breast-feeding, to be more careful about the food she eats, and to be sure her children eat a balanced diet. Unfortunately, she often doesn’t have enough money to afford the food they need. The center helps her to use her limited budget effectively through buying low-cost high protein foods such as red beans. She would like to be able to afford milk for her children but this is far beyond her current means.

During weekly trips to the center, the children are monitored to determine nutritional status and deficiencies. Sakina is given vitamins for herself and the children receive regular check-ups and vaccinations.

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