Transforming Maternal Care in Kenya: A Week of Impact at REHMA Center
At REHMA Center in Mombasa, Kenya, the mission to support women and families in underserved communities continues to grow in powerful ways. Recently, the center hosted a team of sonographers from Hope Imaging, a partnership that brought life-changing training and essential healthcare services to the heart of our community.
Empowering Nurses and Midwives with Ultrasound Training
For many women in Kenya, access to ultrasound services is a luxury, often too costly or simply unavailable. During a week-long training session, six local nurses and midwives from community-based organizations received hands-on training in obstetric and pelvic ultrasounds. This vital skill equips them to provide better care to women in remote and underserved areas, where even basic reproductive health services can be difficult to access.
Serving Women in Need
The week of training also became an opportunity to provide free ultrasounds to women in the community. On Monday morning, the REHMA Center was filled with women seeking care, many for the first time. Over three days at the center, one day in a rural community, and one day of home visits with portable ultrasound machines, 117 ultrasounds were provided.
From confirming healthy pregnancies to identifying fibroids, cysts, and infertility issues, these ultrasounds offered vital insights for women who otherwise might never receive such care. For some, the news was joyful, filled with glimpses of healthy babies. For others, the scans revealed challenging diagnoses—deformities, large masses, and pregnancies resulting from sexual violence. In a culture where infertility is often stigmatized, providing even a small piece of the diagnostic puzzle offered these women a chance to better understand their bodies and access further care.
A Celebration of Community
At the end of the week, the REHMA team gathered to celebrate the newly trained nurses and midwives, presenting them with certificates of completion. The gathering was filled with music, dancing, gifts, and a sense of shared accomplishment. The event also served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the REHMA community—mothers supporting each other, sharing their stories, and walking forward together.
Ongoing Programs and Community Outreach
Beyond ultrasound training, REHMA Center continues to provide essential support through its Angaza Mama Program and community outreach initiatives. With school holidays in full swing, the center has launched a Taekwondo camp to provide boys with a safe, structured activity and a positive outlet for their energy. Additionally, as the rainy season arrives, the center is working to provide resources and support to families impacted by flooding and increased illnesses such as dengue fever.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Reach
REHMA Center is preparing for a major expansion in September, aiming to serve even more women and families in need. Alongside the expansion, the team is excited to launch a brand-new website, making it easier for supporters to learn about ongoing projects, sponsor a mama, and stay connected to the stories unfolding in the community.
Join us in celebrating these milestones and consider walking alongside the mothers, children, and families we serve. Your support makes all of this possible.
