Sofala, Mozambique - On 18 April 2024, a historic moment of hope unfolded in the newly opened Operating Room at the Dondo District Health Center. Lisete Joaquim, a 22-year-old woman, was admitted to the health unit during labour. A resident of the Nhamaiabwe neighbourhood, Lisete was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first child.

As the day progressed, so did Lisete's challenges. A labour that had begun optimistically soon evolved into a risky condition known as Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD). Faced with this complication, the medical team, led by the experienced maternal and child health nurse Leonor Carimo Alberto Joaquim, made the crucial decision to carry out a caesarean section to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

At 16:30, Lisete was rushed to the operating room, where dedicated surgeon Rosa Saquina Marovos led the operation team. The tension in the air was palpable, but the determination and professionalism of the medical team reassured Lisete.

"I felt safe and comfortable, knowing I was in good hands," Lisete shared. Moments later, the newborn's cries filled the room, bringing relief and joy to everyone present. He was a robust little boy, weighing 3.3 kg, who was placed in his mother's loving arms.

I really appreciate the assistance of the operating room staff and the comfort I received throughout the process.

After the successful caesarean section, Lisete was transferred to the recovery room, where she received medical care and emotional support for four days. "I really appreciate the assistance of the operating room staff and the comfort I received throughout the process," exclaimed Lisete when asked about her postpartum experience. Meanwhile, Nurse Leonor continued to closely monitor Lisete and her baby's progress closely, providing postnatal care and guidance on the way forward.

"I'm delighted that our first caesarean went well and that I'll be able to see the mother and baby every week for post-natal care, including family planning," said the nurse. "I hope all the babies and mothers entering our operating room have the same outcome." Meanwhile, Rosa, the surgeon who led the operation, reflected on the importance of the new room for the community. 

I'm delighted that our first caesarean went well and that I'll be able to see the mother and baby every week for post-natal care, including family planning.

“The operating room was established thanks to the Improving Reproductive, Maternal, and Adolescent Health Project, implemented in four districts of Sofala province: Beira, Dondo, Nhamatanda, and Búzi. Led by the Government of Mozambique, with technical support from UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and financed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project aims to improve national statistics, which show that the maternal mortality rate in Sofala province only is 355 per 100,000 live births (2017 Census).

Since its inauguration on 16 April 2024, 54 health service providers have received basic Emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) training, and the block has performed 19 successful caesareans, providing vital assistance to mothers and babies in the region. Surgeon Rosa felt proud to be part of this progress, knowing that now women no longer have to be transferred to distant hospitals in the event of an obstetric emergency.

The impact of the new operating room goes beyond direct medical care. The health unit team is committed to informing the surrounding communities about this new infrastructure, ensuring all pregnant women have access to quality obstetric care. This initiative represents a significant step in reducing the region's maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

Lisete now dreams of a bright future for her son and all the children in her community, where health and well-being are priorities. With the birth of her child, Lisete felt invigorated and full of hope, knowing that her country is taking significant steps towards a healthier and more promising future for all its citizens.

A new era of obstetric care began in the Dondo district, promising a brighter tomorrow for mothers, babies and entire families.