From Adage to Action: Making “Boma ni Mama” a Global Reality
Afandi and MaMaati after attending a family function in the village (Summer 2022)
In Vohovole, my village nestled in the western hills of Kenya, the significance of community and the role of mothers are profoundly woven into our culture. We embrace “boma ni mama” a Swahili adage that conveys the notion that the homestead is the mother, yet more broadly symbolizes the community as the nurturing force. Our belief is simple: without mothers, there can be no community. This fundamental principle underscores the pivotal role mothers play in our society.
Numbers Don’t Lie
The reality is stark. According to WHO, the Maternal Mortality ratio for low-income countries in 2020 averaged 430 per 100 000 live births versus 12 per 100 000 live births in high income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, by comparison, that average was an alarming 545 deaths per 100,000 live births. What makes this even more disheartening is that most of these deaths are preventable. These numbers serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for action to improve maternal healthcare and reduce preventable deaths.
The Sustainable Development Goal for maternal health (SDG3) aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Achieving this target may seem daunting, but it is possible to make significant progress in the time we have left if we truly prioritize the well-being and safety of mothers.
Mahmoud Fathalla, a respected figure in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, aptly stated that women are not dying because of untreatable diseases; they are dying because societies have yet to prioritize their lives. Pregnancy is a natural and beautiful cycle of life, but if the associated physiological changes are not properly managed, they can lead to severe consequences for the mother and baby.
Reflecting on my own experience, I feel grateful that I had access to quality antenatal care when I became pregnant at the age of 38. Despite complications due to fibroids and endometriosis, I was able to carry my baby to full term with the support of a skilled medical team. It was nothing short of a miracle, considering the challenges I faced.
As my pregnancy progressed, the risks and complications became more apparent. The possibility of an emergency Cesarean Section loomed, but the advanced medical facilities and dedicated doctors gave us a fighting chance. Ultimately, I underwent a C-section to ensure the safety of both me and my baby.
I recognize that I am fortunate, but my story is not unique. Many women around the world experience similar challenges and, unfortunately, barriers to safe and healthy pregnancies far too often mean devastating consequences.
Transformational Change Need Not Be Revolutionary
Sharing my story is important because it highlights the critical role of access to quality healthcare. I know that my experience could have been vastly different if I did not have the resources and skilled professionals available to me. Unfortunately, many women in my village and other communities face barriers to quality care, which can have dire consequences.
That notwithstanding, transformational change doesn't always require revolutionary actions. It begins with a commitment to prioritize the well-being of mothers and ensuring they have access to comprehensive antenatal care, skilled medical professionals, and advanced facilities. By investing in maternal healthcare, we can save countless lives and build stronger communities.
Afandi and her baby MaMaati at 3 months old.
I am immensely grateful for the privilege I had during my pregnancy journey. However, this gratitude is accompanied by a deep understanding of the urgent need to extend these privileges to every woman, irrespective of where they live or their socioeconomic background. Every mother deserves the opportunity to embark on a safe and healthy motherhood journey.
We cannot ignore the stark disparities in maternal healthcare across the world. Access to quality care should not be a luxury reserved for a fortunate few. It is a fundamental right that should be available to all women. It is only when we collectively recognize the urgency and importance of this issue and take action that we can bring about real change.
Together, we have the power to make a difference. Every small step counts: from supporting local initiatives, to raising awareness, or advocating for policy changes. Supporting organizations and initiatives dedicated to reducing maternal mortality rates and enhancing the well-being of mothers is crucial. We can also amplify the voices of those who are most affected by these challenges and work towards a future where no mother is left behind.
Let us envision a world where every mother, regardless of her circumstances, receives the care and support she needs to ensure a safe and healthy journey into motherhood. Together, we can transform "boma ni mama" from a heartfelt adage into a tangible reality that touches the lives of women in every corner of the world. Surely, we owe it to our mothers, the bedrock of human existence.