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 playing netball when she got the call—Susan was in labor. Nervous but determined, she rushed to the hospital. “At first, I was scared because it was my first baby to deliver,” Achan recalls. The experienced midwife beside her reassured her, saying, “This is the day you’ve been waiting for, and you have to do it.”
With renewed confidence, Achan focused and successfully delivered a healthy baby boy, Given. “I held the baby in my hands, and it was good. But it was so slippery! I thought, ‘What if I drop it? What if I’m not a good midwife?’” In that moment, she relied on her training, reminding herself to stay focused and trust her abilities.
A Lasting Bond
That day changed Achan forever. “I don’t know if I can really explain it, but I was so happy,” she says.
Her connection with Susan didn’t end there. Shortly after giving birth, Susan fell ill with malaria and turned to Achan for help. Achan accompanied her to the hospital, ensured she received medication, and even visited her at home to check on her recovery. “Creating connections—earning the trust of the women you support—is what makes me love being a midwife,” Achan shares. “It’s nice to make somebody feel loved. You feel like you’ve made a positive change in someone’s life.”
Train More Midwives, Save More Lives
Achan’s story is a testament to the life-saving role of midwives—not just as healthcare providers, but as trusted guides and advocates for mothers and babies. “For most women, giving birth is a moment between life and death,” Achan says. “Without midwives, there would be so many complications for mothers and their babies.”
With your support, we can train more midwives like Achan, equipping them with the skills and compassion needed to serve their communities. Your donation saves lives today and empowers the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
