"[In photos] The long road for mothers" of Partners In Health of Boston, Massachusetts, United States for Wednesday, 20 April 2016

 "[In photos] The long road for mothers" of Partners In Health of Boston, Massachusetts, United States for Wednesday, 20 April 2016


Violet Paulo was nearing the end of her pregnancy—and her community health worker was worried.
Violet's ankles were swollen—a potential sign of high blood pressure. The nearest clinic was 22 miles away. And for too many mothers in the destitute district of Neno, Malawi, the only option goes something like this:
Give birth at home. Hope for the best.
Thankfully, this time there was an alternative for Violet—a much better one: She gave birth safely. Her baby girl was born healthy and thriving. And today, we're able to share this photo of Violet and her daughter, Vanessa:

But happy photos like these—and there are so many—only come at the end of a long journey that you make possible, Gary.For Violet, it began in her house, where she met with Eneles Manyamba, a PIH community health worker who convinced her to make the journey to seek care.

Violet traveled to PIH-supported clinics, where staff tested her for potential complications. There, Violet awaited labor in a maternal waiting home, close to skilled clinicians and emergency care if she needed it.
Violet gave birth to her daughter, Vanessa Joseph, on December 26.

For six weeks, Eneles visited Violet and Vanessa at their home in Neno. She made sure they remained in good health.
And, when Violet and Vanessa needed to visit the clinic for their six-week checkup, Eneles traveled 22 miles, right by her side. "She's a constant support," says Violet.

But in Neno, Malawi, 1 in 36 women will STILL die from pregnancy-related causes.Every day, we must identify more mothers like Violet and do everything in our power to connect them to health care—from vital prenatal appointments, to a safe, attended delivery.
That's why our work, and your support, matters so much.
Thank you,
Partners In Health
P.S. Please consider a gift of $15 to provide pregnant women with the support and care they so desperately need: http://act.pih.org/help-mothers-malawi(Photos by Jeanel Drake / Partners In Health)
Partners In Health
888 Commonwealth Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States

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