Hope in the hills: A health centre saving mothers & children

As I spend time talking to these two women, I am struck by the contrast between their lives now and before Gisagazuba health centre existed.

The centre is part of a wider initiative by Tearfund and the Diocese of Rumonge. After receiving training, the local church brought the community together to identify their most urgent needs – and health emerged as the priority.

Many people shared the dangers they faced: falling sick during the night, suffering miscarriages, or even giving birth on the road. The community decided enough was enough.

Things changed in earnest when the villagers realised they had the resources themselves to take action. Together, they built the health centre, improved the roads, brought water to the village, and strengthened local infrastructure. Today, the centre is staffed with trained nurses and provides essential care for mothers, children and families throughout the surrounding hills.

Desire Majambere, Tearfund’s Country Director in Burundi, tells me: ‘In Burundi, infant and maternal mortality are both very serious concerns, especially in the most remote areas, where it is difficult for women to access the care they need.

‘Despite these significant challenges, this is a clear example of what a community can accomplish when they rewrite their own future. And for mothers here, it has meant the difference between life and death.’

A new story for mothers

Today Constance and Goreth tell a very different story. Their youngest children were born in the new health centre.

‘Now to get healthcare it is not far,’ Constance tells me. ‘We can walk there. Patients are well treated and go home healed. The nurses even deliver babies here.

‘Also, we can get our babies vaccinated, rather than walking far with a young baby, feeling exhausted. It used to be so traumatising. We thank God and Tearfund for this transformation.’

As we continue to talk about scans, caesarean sections and postnatal care, I share my own experience. My now six-year-old daughter was born by emergency c-section because the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around her neck. The NHS saved her.

The two women nod knowingly. Complications like this happen in Gisagazuba too – but the nearest facility capable of performing a caesarean is still 40km away. Too often, complications end in tragedy.

This is why they pray and hope that one day the health centre will expand into a full clinic or hospital.

Saving lives

In fact, the centre is there for them in all stages of bringing up their children – not just for childbirth, as Constance makes clear.

‘Two of my children suffer from asthma,’ she says. ‘When they have an asthma attack, they can hardly breathe: they almost have no breath left. If the health centre was far away, my children would die.

‘But now I can come here when my child is almost dying, and in just a minute he has recovered, he can breathe again. That is why I feel gladness because of this health centre in our community.’

This facility is one of five in the region, all built by communities with support from Tearfund and the Diocese themselves – all determined to tackle their greatest challenges head on.

There are still challenges. Marian, the nurse on duty today, works every second day at the health centre, covering 24-hour shifts single-handedly. A second nurse alternates with her.

But when I ask what keeps her going, her reply is matter of fact: ‘I have been trained to take care of people and save lives. That’s why I am passionate about my job. This health centre is helping me save lives.’