‘ZENA’

In June ’23 we got a call from a clinic in Kayunga district asking if we could transport a pregnant lady to Jinja for urgent review at the Referral Hospital; we promptly responded and drove far to reach her. When we arrived we found a profoundly disabled lady (who could not have been managed on a motor bike taxi) and her Mum, who was caring for her very sick daughter. Zena’s Mum told us that she had been out gardening (growing the food for the family) and Zena had been home alone. During that time somebody had entered the home and raped Zena, resulting in a pregnancy. Zena has full cognition but very poor speech; however, she was able to tell her Mum what had happened. Sadly, Zena was very sick with malaria, and was immediately started on treatment. A few days later we were called to take her home and arranged that we would facilitate her transport back for a full antenatal review the following week. We provided a mosquito net and also some little upkeep for protein foods. 

Zena became unwell again and we transported her back, facilitating the cost of blood tests. It was decided that Zena would require a Caesarean Section delivery due to her distorted pelvis. Zena and her Mum expected this but were very worried about the costs involved. Thanks to TUSC friends we reassured them that we would help and that we were not going to leave Zena and her baby at risk. 

A further follow up appointment was arranged and Yakub sensitively discussed with Zena and her Mum that if she was going to have a planned operation then would requesting to be sterilised at the same time be something to be considered. Zena and her Mum were fully in agreement to this – it was a concern to them both that the same assault could be inflicted upon her again and she did not want the stress of another child to care for.

Yakub transported Zena and her Mum (you always need a carer to be with you in hospital) the day before her planned section. We had provided some baby items, and some maternity needs and were hoping so much for the safe delivery of Zena’s baby and her good recovery. The following day Zena was taken to theatre and a small but healthy baby boy was born – we were relieved and delighted to hear this

We transported Zena and her baby home. It was delightful to see the bond that she had with him and the care that ‘Jaja’ (Grandmother) was giving. We left them with eggs and rice and agreed that we would return with our nurse in a few days to review her wound.

A few days later we returned and found Zena comfortable and baby alert, active and feeding well; often Jaja was having to hold him at the breast and she looked exhausted! From that we made a plan to use donations from friends and obtained a few items to help in the needs of the family. When we returned with our nurse (who was satisfied with the healing of Lena’s wound) we brought a wheelchair, a mattress and a toilet seat riser – this would help relieve the burden on Jaja and also reduce the risk of infection to Mum and baby from being on the floor of the long drop toilet.

Zena and her baby are making great progress and we visited a few months later to find them well. They have our contact number in case of any other health worries and it was a great honour that Zena, in thanks for the help that she got via TUSC, named her baby ’Yakub’. Just sometimes you have to go the extra mile if you can and thanks to TUSC supporters we were able to on this occasion.