Furaha, 18 years old and a first baby

March 21st, 2009

Furaha is 18 years old. In one month, she will give birth to her first child. She comes from the village of Nybiondo but will spend the last month of her pregnancy in the “Welcome village” for pregnant women at risk, set up by MSF in Masisi Hospital.

“It took me six hours to get to Masisi. I was scared during the walk because my baby stopped moving in my belly. I was exhausted. But that same evening, I felt him again. The baby is in breech… I might need a caesarean. I am happy I can wait here at the ‘Welcome village’ and not risk dying on my way as other women do, when they leave for the hospital at the very last moment.

“I married to have children and I am determined to give them an education. Myself, I cannot read or write. And when my children grow up, I want them to be able to take care of themselves properly. Everyone is suffering from the war here. At home, armed men stole my goats and burned my house.

“My husband has stayed at home. I am sure that as soon as the baby is born, he’ll come and visit me in hospital.”

Read other interviews and portraits of pregnant women here.

Read more information on MSF project in Masisi here.