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In the heart of southern Somalia, a remarkable woman has dedicated her life to the health and well-being of others. Maryan Abdulkadir Haji, a 62-year-old veteran midwife, has spent an impressive 34 years in maternal healthcare, earning accolades and deep respect from her community for her unwavering commitment and life-saving achievements.
As the head of the Malable Mother and Child Health Centre in Wanleweyn, located in the Lower Shabelle region and managed by the New Ways Organisation (NWO), Maryan plays an essential role in providing free health services to around 800 women and children every month. That’s 800 lives touched each month—a truly inspiring figure.
In May, NWO recognized her extraordinary contributions by awarding her the title of Best Midwife, a distinction hard-earned among hundreds of her peers. Her success is not merely a personal victory; it signifies a broader impact on community awareness. Maryan has been instrumental in connecting women to vital healthcare resources, emphasizing the importance of medical care throughout pregnancy and delivery.
“Understanding our health is not merely a luxury; it is a necessity,” says Maryan, who often ventures into neighborhoods and remote areas to provide education. She has witnessed the heart-wrenching consequences of women relying on untrained traditional midwives, grappling with severe complications in childbirth.
One particular incident remains etched in her memory—a painful reminder of the challenges faced. “A few years ago, a woman was brought to me after enduring seven days of labor, from a village located 15 kilometers away,” she recalls, her voice tinged with emotion. “Sadly, her baby had died in the womb. We transported her to a hospital in Mogadishu, only to be turned away due to financial constraints.” In that moment, Maryan made a life-altering decision. Without professional midwifery equipment, she used only a razor blade, trusting in her experience and faith. She delivered the lifeless infant and dedicated the next 15 days to ensuring the mother’s recovery. It was a testimony to both her skill and her heart.
Over the past five years, Maryan has trained 60 women in professional midwifery. These women now venture collectively to various districts in the Lower Shabelle region, spreading the word about maternal and child health, and the critical importance of receiving adequate medical assistance.
This collective effort has led to significant changes, encouraging many mothers to seek care at medical centers and reducing the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). “We’ve seen a dramatic decrease,” Maryan states proudly. “Previously, the incidence of FGM was nearly 100%. Now, more people understand the harmful implications it has on menstruation, marriage, and childbirth. Our messages resonate—change is happening.”
Recent data collected by NWO reveals a definitive decline in FGM cases in Wanlaweyn. This change can be directly attributed to Maryan’s advocacy and her relentless drive to educate the community.
Maryan’s journey into healthcare began in 1987, when she enrolled at the Civil Nursing School in Mogadishu. Graduating in 1990, she stepped into her role as a healthcare provider just as the civil war ignited—a daunting era that only strengthened her resolve. Throughout her career, she has advised women on breastfeeding, child nutrition, and the importance of balanced diets. Her knowledge is further amplified by the women she has trained, forming a network of support for families in need.
“If a child is breastfed for two years, they develop robust immunity against diseases,” she shares with the community. “Their cognitive development flourishes, paving the way for a brighter educational future.”
Maryan and her trainees have become trusted figures throughout the region, sought after for their expertise and compassion. Deqa Mohamed Ali, 27, is one of the women Maryan has trained. Having been in her role for a year at Dayura Clinic in Wanlaweyn, Deqa speaks passionately about her work. “I conduct weekly sessions to educate pregnant mothers, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations for both their health and that of their children,” she explains. Her role doesn’t just end in clinical settings; she frequently supervises challenging home deliveries and emergencies, skillfully navigating the complexities of maternal care.
Deqa leads a team of 15 women, all trained by Maryan, who embark on community awareness campaigns together. “We gather beneath a tree where local women congregate, discussing the crucial topics of child vaccination and the dangers of FGM,” she narrates with a sense of purpose. Her modest salary of $200 a month helps her support her husband and their family of seven. Yet Deqa has a bigger dream: to expand her skills and one day reach the level of her mentor, Maryan.
As they work side by side, educating and empowering their community, they embody the idea that true change is forged through compassion and knowledge. Maryan’s story is a powerful testimony to the impact of one dedicated individual on the broader community, highlighting that even in the face of adversity, hope and transformation are possible.
In the beautiful tapestry of maternal healthcare in southern Somalia, Maryan Abdulkadir Haji stands as a beacon of hope. Her commitment to improving lives leaves an indelible mark, not only on those she directly serves but on future generations as well.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
