Bazira Sibumana, father of six is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  For the last four years, he has lived with his wife Zainah Mariam and six children in Itambabiniga zone, Itambabiniga Central in Kyaka II Refugee settlement.  One evening, Zainah heavily pregnant went in labour, prompting the Village Health Team (VHT) member in the community to call for the UNFPA-supported ambulance to the nearest health facility, Bujubuli Health Centre II. Escorted by her husband Sibumana, Zainah was referred to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital where she delivered by cesarean section. Sibumana stood by his wife even when she was brought back to the health facility and given a dignity through UNFPA.

Sibumana attributes this commitment to the various community awareness sessions conducted by the UNFPA/ACORD on the importance of male involvement in antenatal care, delivery processes and family planning processes, funded under the UNFPA emergency fund grant. 

“I have attended many sessions from your officers on supporting my wife. That is why I have escorted her for antenatal to Bujubuli and to Fort Portal to deliver,” he says. The couple also said they had now agreed to use family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies. On her side, Zainah expressed happiness for her husband’s care and support, appreciating the UNFPA/ACORD support.

“Before, it was my husband who determined when we should have children. Now we decide together,” she said.

-Written by Judi Emorut Erongot