A Year Later: Safer births for women!

Beatrice Barasa, a 34-year-old nurse, recalled what life was like at Kamashia Health Center before a well was installed last year.

"It was very difficult to get water in the health facility. Getting water for maternity programs was a big challenge. During [the] dry season, we could not get enough water for mothers who gave birth at the facility, forcing a number of them [to] go give birth elsewhere," said Beatrice.

Beatrice continued, "Cooking was not done on time because we were forced to walk for a long distance to fetch water from a protected spring during dry seasons. Queuing with the community members before we could fetch water was a problem. Patients could swallow medicines using water from any source, which was very dangerous."

"I stay here at the health centre. Getting water for personal use was so challenging. I used more time looking for water [and it] interfered with my work as a nurse," said Beatrice.

But life is much more enjoyable for Beatrice and safer for patients at Kamshia Health Center now.

"As a nurse, my happiness is seeing people around me living a happy life. Through this water point at the facility, I have been able to put a smile on mothers' faces. Many women have chosen this facility, and they are now giving birth at the facility more than they did before this water point was implemented. They are able to wash and bathe without any problem before they are released to go home," Beatrice said.

Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference for staff and in how safe and comfortable a patient's birth can be. But Beatrice and her patients are not the only ones impacted by the well; the community members who live near the health center also benefit.

"My home is around the facility, and [I] am able to fetch water to my home. [I] am not experiencing waterborne disease like before. The time I was using to walk for a long distance looking for water has been reduced, and [I] am able to do my work on time," said 20-year-old Sorophine Kaisha.

"This water has helped me overcome waterborne diseases, and the money I was using for treatment has been channeled to other things at home," concluded Sorophine.

Right now, there are others just like Beatrice and Sorophine in neighboring communities that desperately need safe water access. Your support will immediately go to work to provide a clean water project - and we can’t wait to introduce you to the next person you’ll help.

Nurse Barasa (left) and Sorophine (in red shirt) with others at the well.