By Jessica Thompson Somol | Executive Director
Greetings supporters and friends,
As 2012 comes to a close and we look forward to 2013, Containers 2 Clinics wishes you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season and New Year!
We'd like to share with you a story about C2C's impact on Kandali and her two daughters.
Kandali lives in Namibia’s Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) – a community in western Namibia built mostly from scavenged materials. Her day begins early, as she gets her two daughters dressed, washed, fed, and ready for school, cares for her infant son, collects water and hauls it home, and works to keep her home clean and her family fed in the dusty Namib Desert. Her husband, a truck driver, is away much of the time, so it is often just Kandali and her three children at home.
After her mother's death when she was just 16, Kandali’s life changed forever; she was no longer able to attend school, and was forced to begin supporting herself.
She had her first daughter, Thandiwe, in 2001, but soon fled Thandiwe’s father, whom she feared would kill her and her daughter. Following her escape, Kandali married a kind man. While pregnant with her second daughter, Lillian, she discovered she was HIV-positive and received the medications necessary to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. “I was so scared for my baby, but she is healthy” Kandali said.
Despite her HIV status and history of babies with low birth weight, Kandali received no prenatal care while pregnant with her son. The nearest clinic was hours away and impossible for Kandali to access due to the distance and her family responsibilities. Luckily, amidst fears of complications, Kandali delivered a healthy baby boy.
With the opening of Containers 2 Clinics’ new clinic in Namibia, Kandali and other women in her community will no longer have to worry about accessing high-quality, affordable health care for themselves and their children. Kandali’s son will receive essential vaccinations, and her daughters will receive specialized care for young women. Kandali will have access to post-natal care now as well as prenatal care for future babies.
“To keep my children well is the most important thing, and I am so happy the clinic will help me do that,” Kandali said.
We're grateful to be able to serve Kandali, and many women like her, and thank you for your support which makes our health services possible.
Warmly,
Jessica
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