Nakita's heart leapt with joy the first time she felt her baby kick, but that joy faded quickly. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nakita knew that she lived in one of the most dangerous places on Earth to give birth.
"I got really scared. I know so many mothers whose babies died while they were giving birth. And I know mothers who’ve died too."
With one of the world's highest mortality rates for pregnant mothers and their babies, giving birth in the DRC is often the equivalent to a death sentence. And it is the most vulnerable among us paying this ultimate sacrifice.
"Most women in my country give birth in their dirt-floor huts. Many don’t have anyone to help. Sometimes a neighbor helps cut the baby free from the mother with the same knife used to prepare food … because it's all they have."
Like mothers across the DRC and in so many other places, Nikita prayed her baby wouldn’t die. She dreamed that her child would grow up healthy and strong, and one day become a doctor.
Your gift can answer a mother’s prayer
Nikita was determined to give her unborn baby the best chance of surviving. Luckily, there was a health clinic just over a day's walk from her village.
So, when the time to give birth neared, Nikita made the long trek to the clinic.
"When I arrived just before nightfall, I was in so much pain. The time for the baby to come was nearly here," Nikita explained. "But everything was dark. There was no electricity. I could barely find my way."
Sadly, far too many mothers in the DRC and other vulnerable areas share Nikita’s experience. In fact, it's rare for expecting mothers to even have access to a clinic.
For the few who are able to make their way to a health clinic, the facilities often lack basic supplies, such as gloves, stethoscopes, clean water and electricity. And most times, the staff doesn't have the training to handle any type of emergency.
Your love can make a lifesaving difference to mothers and their babies
Your caring gift today can provide critically needed health care for God's most vulnerable mothers-to-be and their unborn or newborn infants. Such kindness will:
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Distribute lifesaving birth kits for mothers and newborns.
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Renovate existing health facilities to make them safer for mothers and babies…and construct new, clean health care centers equipped with critically needed supplies, electricity and generators.
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Provide training for nurses to get degrees in midwifery.
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Deliver the equipment needed to perform emergency procedures.
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Ensure doctors have up-to-date information — through a Safe Delivery App — so they can handle obstetric emergencies.
You'll also help teach safe delivery practices and raise awareness of the importance of allowing healthy spacing between pregnancies.
With all the good your gift will do, you'll also help ensure health centers in economically developing countries are available to mothers and their babies.
"God answered my prayers," said a grateful Nikita. "I gave birth to a healthy son, Alidor. But I still pray every day for other mothers and their babies."