With the first pregnant woman arriving on January 15, the Mbao-mi Mothers’ Home has quickly started serving the Tikonko Community. As this article is being written, 14 women are there awaiting childbirth, which will take place at the Tikonko Community Health Center nearby. The women come from villages such as Lembema, Gbalehun, Kpakuma, Mokumba, Mbaomuhun, Mosakpa, Sugbehun, Dekpaya, Kakpema, and Ngayagoihun. Walking distances range from one hour to three hours to reach health care during labor, if not for the Mbao-mi Mothers’ Home.
Under the direction of Senior Midwife Josephine Wilberforce and nurse Juliana Sagba, the women are monitored, receive healthy meals, and some are learning how to use a treadle sewing machine. Other activities are planned. The local Community Health Workers assist in the cooking, cleaning and laundry. One of two drivers is always available to assist with transportation to the health center or to the district hospital.
Several of the women have delivered, with their babies being healthy. They spent several days at the home to recover before returning to their villages.
