Our clinic helps pregnant women—many of them migrants from Venezuela—improve their health and that of their unborn child.
Many of the mothers-to-be who visit the Samaritan’s Purse maternal health clinic in Puerto Santander, Colombia, suffer signs of malnutrition as they and their families struggle to make ends meet. A majority of the women are Venezuelans who’ve fled their homeland in recent years and are trying to start a new life in the nation next door; some have remained in Venezuela and just make a trip across the border to find help here not otherwise available to them.
Virginia sells cakes and other products to earn a little extra money to provide for her young children. During prenatal checkups at our clinic for her third child, Virginia expressed how difficult it was for her to work enough to earn what’s necessary for her children to eat. Being able to receive maternal care—including ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, nutritional supplements, and baby care items—free of charge has taken a load of worry off her mind and heart, the Venezuelan mom said.
Just as important, visits to our clinic lift her spirits as our medical staff tend to their patients with compassionate care. They remind the women that God loves them and their child and they can rest secure in His arms.
“I have no words to express how happy I feel every time I come here,” Virginia said about the attentive environment of the clinic.
Overcoming Malnutrition
Jennifer borrowed a friend’s motorcycle to make the early morning drive to our clinic for prenatal appointments. She brought her 4-year-old son with her since she and her husband do not live around family who could watch after him. The couple barely make ends meet, and Jennifer showed signs of malnutrition.
During a motherhood course offered at the clinic, women learned about lactation, nutrition, and other healthcare topics for expectant mothers.
Her test results revealed a low maternal weight and indicators of a high-risk pregnancy. We gave Jennifer nutritional supplements that helped her gain a healthy weight. She saw an obstetrics specialist at the clinic who conducted particularly detailed ultrasounds to monitor her child’s development inside the womb.
“I feel very good, I am in better spirits,” Jennifer said about her improved health. “I am very grateful for all the care.”
In addition to one-on-one consultations, we offer motherhood classes that educate expectant mothers on the stages of pregnancy, lactation, nutrition, and other practical tips. We give each of the patients a diaper bag full of maternity supplies.
Maternity Kits of Care
Gladimar was overjoyed to receive the diaper kit because she hadn’t been able to afford to buy any infant care supplies.
“I thank Samaritan’s Purse for the help provided, and I thank God very much for giving us this group of people that help,” she said.
Mothers are grateful for the help they have received during their time of need.
Yorkina also was thankful to receive the maternity kit because she and her husband hadn’t been able to afford any baby items. She came to the clinic expecting a cursory checkup and left with much more—the prayers, encouragement, and kindness of the staff meant the most to her.
“I am happy and grateful for everything they have done for me,” she said. “I thank God for Samaritan’s Purse and all the help I’ve received.”
Our medical staff monitored her improved health in response to nutritional supplements over the course of seven visits. We praise the Lord that Yorkina’s child was born healthy this past fall. The staff rejoices at seeing the baby’s continued growth through their follow-up visits to the clinic for infant nutritional care.
Please pray for our clinic staff members as they continue to focus on both the physical and spiritual health of these vulnerable women. Pray for God to open hearts as the Good News of Jesus Christ is proclaimed by chaplains at opening each day.
