Grace’s Story: Choosing Health and Hope in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement
Grace, a 36-year-old South Sudanese refugee and mother of eight living in Uganda's Bidibidi Settlement, once saw more children as her path to healing from war until a near-fatal birth changed everything.
“Since having the implant inserted, I’ve felt at peace”
Grace, mother of eight living in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement
Grace is a 36-year-old refugee from South Sudan living in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement. She lives with her husband Dominic and their 8 children.
For many years, I avoided family planning. I always believed that having many children was my way of rebuilding the family we lost during the war back home.
But when I gave birth to my last child, I nearly died from heavy bleeding. I needed a blood transfusion, and for the first time, I felt fear for my own life. While I was recovering, Dominic spoke to me seriously. He said, ‘We can’t keep doing this. I might lose you.'
I nearly died from heavy bleeding...for the first time I felt fear for my own life.
Grace was ready to listen to her Community Health Worker after a traumatic birth experience
That’s when I remembered a Community Health Worker who had visited us some months before, sharing information about family planning and sexual and reproductive health. At the time, I didn’t pay much attention. But now, I was ready to listen.’
After I left the hospital, I asked the Community Health Worker to send a backpack nurse. I had already made up my mind to use a 5-year method. I didn’t want more risk or another near-death experience. In November 2024 I had the implant inserted.
Since then, I’ve felt at peace. No more fear about unexpected pregnancies. I haven’t had any serious side effects, and I love the freedom and security it brings. Most of all, I feel empowered.
Most of all, I feel empowered
Grace reflects on choosing family planning
My health has improved, and I’m more present for my children. I can rest, plan better, and I feel stronger. My husband supports me, and we talk more about decisions together now. I’m even encouraging some of my friends to speak to the Community Health Worker if they’re unsure about family planning.
If I hadn’t taken this step, I might not be here today. I want other women to know what I didn’t know before that it’s okay to choose your health. I thank RICE West Nile and CHASE Africa. Please don’t stop educating the community. Slowly by slowly, they will learn.
Grace’s experience is not unique. In Bidibidi Refugee Settlement and across Uganda thousands of women face similar risks when maternal health services including modern contraception are out of reach. With your support, CHASE Africa and our partner RICE West Nile provide outreach clinics, train Community Health Workers and equip Backpack Nurses to bring free, voluntary family planning and other maternal and child health services directly to women’s doors turning fear into hope and saving lives one informed choice at a time.
Please don’t stop educating the community. Slowly by slowly, they will learn.
Grace encourages other women to prioritise their health
