Askale's Story

Askale is 25 years old. She was married already at 15 years of age. With her slender figure, she still looks very young today. She lives with her husband in the village of Walga, a rural area about 200 km south of Addis Abeba. She has been pregnant three times already. The first two pregnancies resulted with stillborn children. This is even more tragic because there is a well-running health centre in the village. It is possible that Askale went there too late, which is why nothing could be done for her unborn children.  

Healthy Boy Due to a Caesarean
When Askale became pregnat for the third time, she and her husband decided to visit the health centre early in her pregnancy to receive counseling. The health personel saw that Askale has a very narrow pelvis. That is why they transferred her before the birth of her child to the Attat-Hospital situated 40 kilometres further away. There she gave birth to a healthy boy due to a caesarean section. This took place six years ago.

In the Waiting Area for Four Weeks
Askale is now in the 39th week of her fourth pregnancy. Four weeks ago, she travelled to Attat by bus. Normally, pregnant women only come to stay at the waiting area, which is located on the hospital grounds, for two to three weeks. But Askale wanted to be on the safe side and her husband supported her. She is glad that her mother is accompanying her. Her six-year-old son is with his father.

Daily Health Education
Everyday life at the maternity waiting area has a certain routine. Askale prepares food together with the other women. Cleaning and washing belong to their duties. The waiting area has a total of 44 beds and is maintained by the women themselves. Every morning at 8.30, all of the women receive health education provided by the hospital staff. In addition, the women are regularly examined.

Ready around the Clock
Askale will give birth to her fourth child by Caesarean soon. It is good to know that the operating room is nearby and that competent doctors and midwives are on standby 24 hours a day so that Askale will have a safe childbirth. That's what WHI ensures.