Breaking barriers to health
Jennah was worried. Confused. Her menstrual cycle had changed suddenly -- she was bleeding two or three times a month. But in her small village of Bomia in the Central African Republic, travelling to a health facility was impossible, the roads fraught with danger from armed groups.
When a traditional birth attendant visited her village to provide advice and education about family planning, Jennah was intrigued by the depth of her knowledge and the possibility that she might have advice on her changing periods.
Jennah invited the birth attendant to her home for a private consultation.
"A few hours later, she came to see me," recounts Jennah. "I explained to her that I had menstrual issues. She listened to me, reassured me, and explained that with a visit to the hospital, my menstrual problems could be checked and treated."
With support from the Government of Canada through the Humanitarian Coalition, Doctors of the World provides sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, to women in remote villages where access to health facilities is limited, including Jennah.
With a referral form from the visiting traditional birth attendant, Jennah made her way to a local health facility. There, she was warmly welcomed by the matron, who listened intently to her concerns. The matron explained the benefits of contraceptive methods and recommended the pill to address Jennah's menstrual irregularities. Though initially apprehensive -- fearing the myths surrounding contraception in her community, namely that birth control makes women sterile -- Jennah decided to trust the matron's guidance.
Three months later, Jennah's life had transformed. Her irregular cycles have normalized, and she feels healthier and more energetic. Encouraged by her husband, who even reminded her to take the pill when she forgot, Jennah became an advocate for modern contraception. At village meetings, she shared her experience, dispelling myths and encouraging other women to seek family planning services. Her efforts led to three women visiting the health facility for consultations.
The impact of Doctors of the World's program in Bomia was profound. By mobilizing traditional birth attendants and community health workers, the organization brought essential sexual and reproductive health services directly to women like Jennah. Contraceptives were freely available at health facilities and through trusted community members, eliminating the need for perilous journeys.
The program has improved Jennah's health and empowered her to become a leader among the women in her village -- a testament to the far-reaching impacts of bringing care closer to those people who need it most.