“She’s in my arms!” A safe birth at a Medair-supported health centre

Soaverine is 25 years old. She lives in Bevaho, is married, and has five children. Like many women in her community, she cultivates the land to feed her family, producing rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

For a long time, giving birth was incredibly challenging for her… until she delivered her last child at a health centre supported by Medair.

“The first time I gave birth, it was very difficult; there were no doctors, and we couldn’t afford to go to the hospital. I lost several of my children because there was no one to care for us, and I couldn’t afford medical support. We suffered so much that sometimes we didn’t even have enough to buy a simple cup of rice…”

Today, the situation has changed. Since delivering at the health centre, Soaverine feels relieved. Her deliveries have been safe and free from complications, including that of her last baby.

“It’s a blessing from God: we have a healthy and safe baby. Now, we receive free care, and my children benefit from services I never knew existed before.”

A few days ago, following the birth of her last child (Elginah Francia), the baby had difficulty breathing, and the staff at the clinic were quick to intervene. Soaverine is convinced that if she had delivered at home, the outcome would have been very different.

“I believe that if she had been born at home, we might have lost her. But here, she was well cared for, she’s doing well, and she’s safe in my arms. Thank you so much.”

About the TKF project:
The “Tanan-kavana ho an’ny Fahasalamana” (TKF) project reduces morbidity and excess mortality among vulnerable populations living in remote rural areas of southeastern Madagascar. Implemented by Medair in Bevaho, Mahatsinjo, Anandravy, Antokonala, and Ivato, it provides free healthcare, especially for mothers and children. The project is co-funded by the European Union and runs from May 2025 to July 2026 (HIP25).

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