Sadiya Mohamed, a resident of Dhobley, Somalia had endured months of pain and misery.
She had moved from hospital after hospital seeking treatment for chronic diabetes with no successes.
Eventually, doctors at a private hospital in Mogadishu were in January this year forced to amputate one of her legs due to damaged tissue.
But in May this year Sadiya’s fate would take a positive turn, in what came as a blessing in disguise – Her conditioned worsened and was rushed to Dhobley Level II Hospital.
The hospital is managed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
Her problem was quickly identified. She had a breech pregnancy and was given emergency treatment.
“I was referred to this hospital for additional care since I neglected to take my blood pressure medication because I feared it would affect my pregnancy. I thank God the doctors saved my life,” Sadiya said from her hospital bed after undergoing a delicate caesarean operation, as reported on ATMIS website.
Sadiya’s recovery credit to KDF
Sadiya’s recovery is attributed to KDF, working under ATMIS, and the medical staff at Dhobley Level II Hospital.
ATMIS has been conducting activities that improve the livelihood of local communities through Civil-Military- Cooperation (CIMIC) engagements, especially in Dhobley, a town along the Somalia-Kenya border.
“When she was referred to us, our goal was to ensure a safe delivery for both mother and baby, as well as address her medical condition for her continued well-being,” Captain Dr Fredrick Cheruiyot, a KDF medic, said.
According to Dr. Cheruiyot, Sadiya had no clue that she had a complicated pregnancy – partly caused by her diabetic condition.
The chronic diabetes coupled with high blood pressure had made her frail and put her unborn child at risk.
It was at the KDF-run hospital that doctors discovered she had a breech pregnancy after several tests were run on her.
Pregnancy complications
A breech presentation also referred to as breech position occurs when a baby is lying bottom-down in the womb.
Due to this condition, Sadiya was at risk of the baby sticking to the birth canal and oxygen supply through the umbilical cord getting cut off, if a caesarean operation was not conducted.
After the problem was ascertained, she was rushed to the theatre where KDF medics conducted the caesarean operation, saving the life of the mother and the baby.
“I am very grateful for the care and kindness I received from the staff of this hospital during my stay here,” a delighted Sadiya said, holding her new born baby.
But the KDF hospital staff did not stop there. They went on to raise funds to help Sadiya purchase essential provisions for her new born baby.
“Motherhood is a difficult journey, and it becomes most difficult in a conflict environment like this one in Somalia. We have seen this lady, Sadiya, walked with her from pregnancy to the point now that the baby is two months old,” said Major Ruth Omedi, ATMIS Gender Officer for Sector Two.
The ATMIS Sector II Deputy Commander Col. Adan Safe, reiterated that KDF troops in Somali will continue helping the local community.
“Our mandate includes the protection of civilians and vulnerable groups such as women and children. Once Sadiya returns to her village, we will continue to involve other community members in supporting her,” observed Col. Safe.
