Rukwa is green, it people are warm and receptive. Today they showed they cared about mothers and babies surviving in their community.
If you have not been to Rukwa, let me tell you my impression.Green. It is green everywhere. Mountains, cool air, very fresh air.The people, warm, receptive, accommodating, understanding and very friendly.Mama Ye! was in Rukwa from the beginning of March, meeting every day Rukwa men and women, telling them about Mama Ye!, about the situation for mothers and babies in their community. Showing them how they can take action to save mothers and babies.One such action that cuts across all groups in the society is blood donation.Wajibika Mama AishiMama Ye! joined other members of the White Ribbon alliance Tanzania (WRATZ) to spread the message its campaign “Wajibika Mama Aishi”.It simply translates to be accountable so mama can live.We were collecting signatures for a petition urging the Government to have a specific budget line. We also ask that this budget be ring-fenced it so that it can only be used to initiate, improve and provide emergency services for mothers and babies during childbirth.Our aim was to reach Rukwa residents in all districts.On 9 March we were at Nkasi, Namanyere. People turned out in large numbers. About 100 units of blood collected.We rested for one day and turned to Matai, in Kalambo District where more units were collected. By the end of the event 141 units had been collected.What struck me about these two districts is that people were somewhat reluctant at first to donate.It turned out not many had seen a donation exercise taking place before. They would crowd around those brave ones who were among the first ten to donate, asking them questions and drawing inspiration from their sense of pride and gratification for being able to save a life.But word must have travelled about inspiring stories of donors.For example, the Sumbawanga Municipality leadership had been working with the Tanzania Red Cross and they recognised the power of community mobilisation. So, they went further.The District Commissioner, Mr Sedoyeka has announced that 13 March will now be a special day to campaign for survival of mothers and babies in Sumbawanga.We ran out of blood bagsMr Sedoyeka also manages Sumbawanga Rural District, where White Ribbon Day for Safe Motherhood in Tanzania was held. The day before, Mama Ye!, the Red Cross bleeding team and the Mtowisa health centre staff held a session just by the hospital. Our role was the same - spread the message of saving mothers and babies far and wide.Before the tents were properly put up, Mtowisa residents were queuing to donate blood.It was a non-stop exercise until late afternoon when blood bags ran out. Over 300 units had been collected. We decided we had to postpone donations until the White Ribbon Day for Save Motherhood in Tanzania the next day, to be held just a few metres away.The main day arrives. So many things going on at the same time. Entertainment, exhibitions, speeches, noise, people everywhere. Mtowisa residents remained focused. A further 80 units collected. A total number collected during this trip has now reached 970 units. We are beyond proud.The petition, too, is growing, in Rukwa and nationally. Rose Mlay, National Coordinator for Tanzania’s White Ribbon Alliance announces that it now stands at 15,000 signatures. The Government will have to listen.Who has a navel?Two exciting weeks for Mama Ye!, other WRA members and the people of Rukwa.Important lessons have been learned. For me, one lesson was described brilliantly by my colleague, Craig Ferla when the message about mothers and babies is properly, consistently and persistently delivered, it can only result in a resounding success.Craig simply asked if there is anyone without a navel in that crowd.The navel reminds us of our link to our mothers, our lifeline when we were being formed inside the wombs.In respect, love and care for our own mothers, we all have to ACT NOW for the survival of all mothers and babies of Tanzania.