Kamala

Kamala lives in Mugu and was 23 when she discovered she was pregnant with her first child. Whilst attending a regular antenatal health care check-up at her local PHASE Health Post, Kamala tested positive for HbsAg, which indicates a current Hepatitis B infection.  

PHASE Health Staff explained the condition to Kamala and her husband and advised her to visit the District Hospital at Gamgadhi (Major city of Mugu), where Kamala’s test was reconfirmed as positive. Unfortunately, the local health post in Mugu did not have the necessary facilities to ensure that Kamala had a safe delivery, so advised that she seek further medical attention at a Provincial Health Centre. This was difficult however, due to the lack of transportation during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Although Kamala was aware of the importance of attending the medical centre, she was simply unable to afford an alternative means of travel. With support from the PHASE Health Advisors and the PHASE Health Team in Mugu, travel arrangements were made for Kamala and she was able to safely deliver her baby at the Provincial Medical Centre.  

Speaking to the PHASE team, Kamala shared, “I was worried, when I was being referred to one to another health centre. I was worried how I would be able to avoid complications for my baby. But now I’m glad that my baby is safe and I have understood the value of being in touch with ANMs. If I had tried for home delivery, I don’t know what might have happened to me and my baby. I promise to take the ANMs advice seriously.”