In the world of humanitarian work, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. My tenure as a project coordinator for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Uganda was filled with unforgettable experiences, but one particular incident stands out as a turning point in my career and life.
It all began on a cold Friday morning when I received an email from a community officer stationed in Luwero, a district nestled in the interiors of Kampala, Uganda. The email conveyed an urgent message about a pregnant woman in desperate need of a cesarean section in the coming days. Coincidentally, I was scheduled to travel to Luwero that very afternoon with my dedicated driver to assess the conditions of local clinics and present a report to my director on how we could support them with essential supplies.
I promptly replied to the email, assuring the community officer that I would make preparations for the medical assistance upon my return from the trip. Little did I know that this trip would be a defining moment in my career and life.
As we arrived in Luwero later that evening, the sight of eager children and indigenous community members gathered around our massive UN Truck, hoping for a treat, greeted us. It was a heartwarming reminder of the positive impact our work had on these communities.
Upon reaching the designated clinic, while I was busy assessing the facilities, we were approached by the husband and family of the pregnant woman in dire need of a cesarean section. Her labor had begun, and it was clear that time was of the essence.
Unfortunately, the clinic lacked the necessary medical supplies and expertise to perform the surgery. The prospect of transporting the woman back to Kampala was a risky one, as the roads were in terrible condition, and it was highly unlikely she would survive the journey. The weight of the decision fell on my shoulders, as the family and community looked to me for guidance.
With my director unavailable due to it being a Friday, I had to make a gut-wrenching decision. After consulting with our nurse and driver, along with the community members present, we decided to proceed with the surgery. However, there was another significant hurdle to overcome – there was no anesthesia available. In a desperate attempt to alleviate the woman’s pain during the procedure, her husband and family rushed home to gather herbal concoctions, which they administered orally.
The operating room was far from ideal, and the situation was dire. As we performed the cesarean section, the woman’s screams of pain filled the air. It was a heart-wrenching experience, but we managed to save the baby. Regrettably, the mother did not survive.
This tragedy became a profound lesson for me about the depth of a mother’s love and the complexities of leadership. It was a stark reminder that in the field of humanitarian work, decisions can have life-altering consequences, and the responsibility for those consequences falls squarely on our shoulders. The child, born under such dire circumstances, was named after me, and I made a promise to care for him, a promise I continue to honor to this day.
This experience left an indelible mark on me, reshaping my perspective on healthcare and the formidable challenges that many third-world countries in Africa face daily. It fueled my determination to return to Africa, or any other third-world country, in any capacity to make a meaningful difference.
Though I am currently in the USA, my heart longs for opportunities to serve in Africa and other underprivileged regions across the globe. My journey in Uganda taught me that the true essence of humanitarian work lies in embracing challenges, making tough decisions, and striving to bring positive change to the lives of those who need it most. It is a journey I am committed to continuing, wherever it may lead.
