Improving Access to Prenatal Care

We are constantly growing our programs in an attempt to create holistic change for this community, but one of the challenges we still face is ensuring that our community is aware of all the programs we offer.

Elizabeth* lives in a neighboring village and learned she was pregnant with her second child in August of 2021. During her pregnancy, she often felt dizzy and experienced significant nausea and headaches. For Elizabeth, prenatal and maternal care was prohibitively expensive. She knew from her previous pregnancy that she could not afford to deliver her baby at the local hospital without financial assistance and that any care to help relieve symptoms would be unattainable.

Africanus, the lead Clinical Officer at TCF’s Rural Community Health Clinic, explained to Elizabeth that we not only provide free transportation but that TCF also covers the fees of our partner hospital FAME’s Prenatal Care Program as well as the cost of her delivery.

Just last week Elizabeth started to have labor pains and contacted Africanus for help. Quickly a ride was arranged and she was on her way to FAME. The delivery required a c-section which would normally be quite expensive, but because she started attending the prenatal clinic we covered the costs in full.

We understand that the more information mothers have about available care, the more likely they are to have healthier pregnancies, seek the help they may need, and ultimately have safer deliveries. 

By increasing awareness and delivering affordable care options, Elizabeth and her baby, Precious, are healthy and happy. In reflecting on her experience, Elizabeth said “I was worried giving birth would put me in debt again, but I am so grateful that I learned about the clinic.”

Our support of mothers doesn’t stop after delivery. Tomorrow, Elizabeth will return to FAME for a checkup and baby Precious will receive her first round of vaccinations.

*Consent was given for photographs and names were changed for patient confidentiality.