Brendah is a 16-year-old student who lives in Uganda, pregnant with her first child. She lives with her sister, a subsistence farmer. In her free time, Brendah and her sister weave baskets. She used to attend her local primary school, and intends to return to her schooling when her newborn child turns two years old.
Brendah first saw her community health nurse for her pregnancy, and was referred to antenatal clinics at her local hospital. She and her sister have attended three sessions now, and now that Brendah is approaching her due date, she is awaiting her delivery in a mothers’ hostel.
During one of her antenatal visits, Brendah’s doctors informed her that it may be unsafe to have a vaginal delivery due to the baby’s relative size and Brendah’s age. Instead, they recommended a C-Section. However, Brendah is already struggling to afford her visits at the antenatal clinic.
Our medical partner, The Kellermann Foundation, tells us that $303 will cover Brendah’s three antenatal care visits, her C-Section procedure for delivery, and five days of inpatient care. Brendah has already contributed $4, but this is all she has.
Brendah’s sister is very grateful for the help Watsi brings. “Childbirth is very difficult, and even more so for a person under 18 years of age,” she explains. “Hospital bills alone have hindered many people from having safe deliveries under supervision. I would like to thank all who support my little sister’s delivery.” Brendah and her sister are eager for their new addition to their family.
