Save the Children undertakes its FIRST EMERGENCY C- SECTION at Mahama Refugee Camp!

This week, in Save the Children’s newly opened Medicalized Health Center in the Mahama Refugee Camp II, the first three cesarean operations were performed successfully by the medical team. 

The Mahama Refugee Camp II Medicalized Health Centre offers Comprehensive Obstetrical and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services, such as cesarean sections, blood transfusions, maternal child health services, outpatient and inpatient consultations, laboratory services, and nutrition outreach.

The mothers underwent a cesarean section due to obstetric complications. The operations went smoothly, and we are delighted to report that all mothers and their babies are healthy.

Jocelyne, 23 years old, commended Save the Children’s medical team for their efforts to help her and her child. She added that she was even excited to undergo the cesarean operation locally at Mahama Refugee Camp II Medicalized Health Centre. Prior to the opening of Save the Children’s Health Centre, patients would have to travel for over 1 hour to receive emergency medical assistance with cases such as unplanned caesarian operations.

“I thank the medical team for saving me and my child. I am so excited to give birth to a healthy baby.” Said Jocelyne

It is estimated 140 deliveries are conducted in Mahama Refugee Camp every month. 60 of these end up being referrals to Kirehe District Hospital due to obstetric complications, with 48% (29) of these referrals resulting in caesarian sections each month. Providing cesarean sections and blood transfusion services will reduce maternal morbidity and reduce the number of mothers referred to Kirehe District Hospital for emergency services.

“We are so honoured to bring C-section and blood transfusion services closer to the people we serve. This will greatly cut down the number of mothers who spent an hour on bumpy roads trying to get to the emergency services and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Mahama Refugee Camp.”-Said Maggie Korde, Country Director of Save the Children Rwanda and Burundi

Save the Children is responsible for delivering health and nutrition services to refugees living in Mahama Refugee Camp since 2016. Because of the partnership with the Government of Rwanda, and the support of UNHCR, BPRM, UNFPA, Japan Embassy, and other partners, Save the Children reached 86,096 beneficiaries through health and nutrition services; including 715 children who were delivered at Mahama Refugee Camp II Medicalized Health Centre.