Somali mother gives birth to quadruplets; triplets survive
October 18th, 2012 by Geno Teofilo Posted in Displacement, Somalia, Women's rights
The surviving triplets, all girls, were born in this makeshift shelter made from sticks and cloth. They will also live here.
On Oct 11th, quadruplets were born to Halima Mohamed, a Somali mother living in a camp for displaced people in Mogadishu. Tragically, one of the newborns died shortly after birth. The surviving triplets are in good health. The newborns, all girls, were born in a makeshift shelter made of sticks and cloth. A traditional birth attendant assisted with the deliveries.
“We all feel so proud to have three beautiful baby daughters,” said Halima’s father, Mohamed Abdi. Halima is currently living with her parents in a camp with other displaced families in the Hodan District of the city. Originally from the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, the family had been displaced several times over the years, due to the long conflict and food crisis.
“Fortunately, the three baby daughters are all perfect, said Halima’s mother Sharifo.
As Halima’s husband is currently away, her family is supported by her younger brother, who moves merchandise by wheel barrow in Mogadishu’s Bakara Market.
Oxfam’s partner on the ground HIJRA, has provided Halima and her family with assistance for their water and sanitation needs. So far, the aid includes aqua boxes, soap, five sanitary protection kits, and five jerry cans for fetching water. HIJRA also provides clean water, latrines, community outreach, and basic health services at a number of camps for displaced families in various locations in Mogadishu.
A recent Oxfam survey in Somalia published earlier this month found that the highest reported number of deaths in the country, were occurring from complications related to pregnancy and delivery. Somalia has a serious shortage of doctors and health facilities, so most pregnant women give birth at home.