Ephraim Mfilinge is a father of seven children and has just lost a child who would have been the eighth. He is only 36 years old and her wife Nives Matinya is 35 years old. For Nives the journey have been a very tough one as she has barely rested since they had their first child who is 12 years old.
Nives had confided to USAID Tulonge Afya volunteer on her situation as she was tired of giving birth almost every year and her husband was very stubborn and he never wanted to do family planning. Having that information CHW approached the husband and invited him to Naweza group sessions with other couples. His intention was to get a platform that will be easier to give the message without being seen as interfering on Ephraim’s family affairs.
CHW continued to meet with the couple and insisted on visiting ANC clinic and delivering at a health facility. To Ephraim the message was falling on deaf ears as he listened but did not allow her wife to go to the clinic as he knew they will convince them to use modern contraceptives. His thought was using the MCM will be an avenue for her wife to be unfaithful.
When the time came for delivery Nives was home alone and she started bleeding, she called CHW who helped to call for transport and told the husband of the emergency. Nives was taken to Malangali health center but unfortunately she lost the child. Because she lost a lot of blood her condition was unstable and she remained unconscious for hours. She remained in hospital for several days fighting for her life and fortunately she made it alive.
The Ephraim family called a meeting to discuss what transpired and after discussion it was agreed that Nives need to rest her body as she had too many children in a short span. Ephraim finally agreed that he will go with his wife to the health facility and talk to health providers on what method to use.
They fulfilled the promise and Nives got a big relief after nearly losing her life, she thought if the decision was made earlier she would not have been in such situation and she would no lose the child.
