Mother’s Day 2025
- HANOI, Vietnam – Expectant mothers in remote Vietnamese villages are experiencing safer pregnancies and deliveries thanks to a maternal health program implemented by Samaritan's Purse.The program focuses on...
- Phu, a 22-year-old woman in her fourth month of pregnancy, initially hesitated to seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain.
- "in the past, there were no trained birth attendants or reliable roads to reach the clinic," Phu said.
Samaritan’s Purse maternal Health Program Improves Outcomes in Rural vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam – Expectant mothers in remote Vietnamese villages are experiencing safer pregnancies and deliveries thanks to a maternal health program implemented by Samaritan’s Purse.The program focuses on providing prenatal care, education, and essential supplies to women who previously lacked access to adequate medical support.
overcoming Barriers to Care
Phu, a 22-year-old woman in her fourth month of pregnancy, initially hesitated to seek medical attention for severe abdominal pain. Influenced by local customs, some encouraged her to rely on traditional remedies. However, Menh, a community health worker, persuaded Phu to visit the local clinic supported by Samaritan’s Purse.
“in the past, there were no trained birth attendants or reliable roads to reach the clinic,” Phu said. “I heard stories of women giving birth on the mountainside because they couldn’t reach help in time. now, I am grateful to Menh and Samaritan’s Purse. We are receiving careful and healthy care.”
At the clinic, nurses and trained birth attendants (TBAs) assessed Phu’s condition, monitoring her vital signs and performing an ultrasound. She also received essential vitamins and nutrients.
Essential Supplies and Increased Clinic Attendance
Phu left the clinic wiht renewed hope and a baby kit provided by Samaritan’s Purse. The kit contained essential items such as baby clothes,diapers,condensed milk,a blanket,a mosquito net,cooking oil,salt,and fish sauce.
thuy, a nurse at the local clinic who received maternal health training from Samaritan’s Purse, noted a notable increase in prenatal checkups and births at health centers as the program’s inception. “About 10 years ago, approximately 70% of births occurred at home,” Thuy said. “Now, that number has decreased to around 30% thanks to the Samaritan’s Purse project.”
A Transformative Experience
Khuan,another mother,experienced two arduous home births without medical assistance,resulting in severe postpartum bleeding. “I was afraid for my life,” she recalled.
However, Khuan’s third pregnancy, with Menh’s support, was significantly diffrent. “The TBA helped me every step of the way. I felt much calmer,” Khuan said. “During my pregnancy, Menh regularly checked on me, asking about my well-being and the baby’s movements. If something was wrong,she helped me. I never had that during my first pregnancies.”
Khuan also received postpartum care at the clinic and a baby kit,leaving her feeling confident and secure.