Elizabeth Nyachiew: A Midwife’s Journey to Save Lives in South Sudan
Elizabeth Nyachiew’s childhood was marked by tragedy. At the tender age of sixteen, she witnessed the horrifying death of her neighbor during childbirth. This incident ignited within her a burning determination to become a midwife, to prevent others from suffering the same fate in South Sudan, her war-torn homeland.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Growing up in a society where girls were discouraged from education, Elizabeth faced fierce opposition from her family. Despite the odds, she persevered, convinced that education held the key to saving lives. Her journey was fraught with challenges: civil war, famine, and displacement threatened her dreams.
At the age of 18, Elizabeth defied the school’s rule that prohibited pregnant students by threatening suicide. She forced the administration to reconsider, and continued her studies, balancing her responsibilities as a mother and a future midwife.
The Plight of Pregnant Women:
Elizabeth’s journey as a midwife mirrored the perilous conditions that pregnant women in South Sudan face. Lack of roads and poor infrastructure meant that expectant mothers had to endure excruciating walks or rides in wheelbarrows to reach the nearest healthcare facility.
Elizabeth herself faced these dangers firsthand. During a miscarriage, she walked for two hours to the clinic, bleeding profusely. The lack of proper equipment and care at the facility only highlighted the desperate need for skilled midwives in South Sudan.
Midwives: A Lifeline for Mothers and Babies:
Despite the challenges, Elizabeth remained unwavering in her commitment. She witnessed the transformative power of midwives, who provided life-saving care to mothers and babies in her community.
Elizabeth leads a team of midwives at a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Bentiu. She acknowledges the shortage of midwives in South Sudan and advocates for the empowerment of more women to fill this critical role.
Addressing the Need:
South Sudan’s healthcare system remains fragile, with insufficient funding and a shortage of trained personnel. The government allocates a mere 2% of its budget to health, leaving the system heavily reliant on international aid.
The United Nations Population Fund and the South Sudan health ministry are working to train more midwives and establish mobile clinics to reach remote areas. However, funding and lack of infrastructure remain major obstacles.
A Legacy of Hope:
Elizabeth Nyachiew’s story embodies the resilience and determination of women who are transforming the lives of mothers and babies in South Sudan.
She inspires young girls to pursue education and empowers them to become the healthcare professionals their communities so desperately need. Elizabeth believes that education can break the cycle of poverty and death, giving hope to future generations.
Elizabeth’s message to young girls is clear: “School is very important, because if you go to school, you should become a doctor, you should become a nurse, you should become a midwife. So that you can help the entire community.”
Conclusion:
Elizabeth Nyachiew’s journey as a midwife is a testament to the power of one individual to make a difference in countless lives. Her unwavering commitment, despite facing adversity at every turn, serves as an inspiration to us all.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges of maternal mortality in South Sudan and around the world, let us remember the dedicated midwives like Elizabeth who are fighting to save mothers and babies, one life at a time.
