Amref Health Africa

Achan Buong, a 26-year-old final-year midwifery student at Maridi Health Sciences Institute (MHSI) in South Sudan, always knew she wanted to be a midwife. Growing up between South Sudan and Uganda, she saw firsthand the challenges women face in accessing quality maternal care—long distances to healthcare facilities, a shortage of medical supplies, and too few healthcare workers. She admired midwives but wasn’t sure if she had what it took—until she began her training at MHSI.  For Achan, midwifery is deeply personal. “I realized my people need a lot of help,” she says. “If I have the knowledge and skills, then I’ll be able to help my community.”  The First Delivery  One of Achan’s most unforgettable experiences was delivering her first baby. She met Susan, her patient, early in her pregnancy, and they quickly built a bond. They exchanged contacts and stayed in touch throughout Susan’s journey to motherhood.  Achan was...