One Woman’s Lasting Legacy

October 23, 2008 — Agnes arrived at the RCH Clinic in labor. All prenatal patients at that time were referred to the Dodoma Regional Hospital for delivery because DCMC was not yet equipped to provide these services. Agnes, however, had a different idea and boldly stated to the staff that she was making the best choice for her and her baby’s well-being by insisting on giving birth at DCMC. To make her point, Agnes removed her clothes, hopped onto a bed and asked for prayer. Four hours later with the help of Nursing Officer Mastidia Aligawesa and DCMC consulting gynecologist, Dr. Mwampagatwa, Agnes delivered a healthy baby girl.

Agnes’s bold stand and persistence caused the DCMC staff to re-envision the use of the RCH building to accommodate deliveries. Thanks to donors who responded, remodeling plans began and a birthing area, which
included a surgical suite for C-sections, was completed in 2012. The results of a bold stand, sensitive staff and responsive donors have provided a legacy for the many women who have found DCMC a safe and clean place to welcome their babies.

July 5, 2014 — One of the women who benefited from Agnes’s legacy is Josephine. She was near term when she came for her regular prenatal exam. The nurse found her blood pressure high and detected that the baby was in fetal distress.

These are often the signs of pre-eclampsia and require immediate intervention, as pre-eclampsia can lead to eclampsia, sometimes called, “toxemia.” Eclampsia, which can cause maternal seizures or even death, occurs at a much higher rate in developing countries.

Fortunately for Josephine, DCMC has the proper staff and facilities to handle complicated births. With the help of nurse Aligawesa and Dr. Mwampagatwa, Josephine gave birth to a healthy baby boy via C-section.