During her fourth pregnancy, Adjowa feared that she and her baby wouldn’t survive.

Her husband was unable to work after a serious accident and the family was living in extreme poverty in Togo, often only eating a meal every three or four days. 

With no income and no access to medical care, Adjowa was malnourished and desperate. As her due date approached, she feared giving birth at home, alone, with no trained support. 

“I thought my life was doomed and I would not survive,” she says. 

Everything changed when Adjowa was connected to a local Compassion centre running a Mums and Babies program. The staff stepped in immediately, providing food parcels, covering her medical costs and ensuring she had essential supplies for her baby. 

When she went into labour, the staff rushed her to the hospital. Her baby girl was born silent and unresponsive, but because the costs were covered and trained help was available, she could receive life-saving care. 

“My daughter and I would not have made it if the Compassion centre had not helped. I am sure I would be dead by this time and my baby too,” says Adjowa.

Adjowa’s story is confronting, yet sadly not rare. It reflects the challenges faced by millions of mothers living in poverty and highlights how much is at stake during pregnancy, birth and the earliest days of a child’s life. 

The first 1,000 days: a critical window

The first 1,000 days, from conception to a child’s second birthday, are a time of incredible vulnerability and immense potential. During this period, rapid brain and physical development occur. A child’s survival, immune system and long-term health are shaped by the nutrition, care and support they receive. 

For mothers living in poverty, limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition, harmful cultural beliefs and a lack of support can lead to serious consequences for maternal health. 

In 2023, sub-Saharan Africa recorded 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with just 3 per 100,000 in Australia and New Zealand. According to UNICEF, sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for 70 per cent of global maternal deaths, mostly from preventable causes. 

The risks for babies are equally stark. Babies born in sub-Saharan Africa are 11 times more likely to die than those born in Australia, and nearly one-third of births occur without a skilled birth attendant, according to the World Health Organisation. 

Yet early intervention for babies can change everything. With the right support, a child born in poverty has a far greater chance not only to survive, but to thrive. 

Why investing in a child’s earliest years changes everything

Kate Naliaka, Compassion International’s Global Health Advisor based in Kenya, has seen the impact of early intervention firsthand. 

“We understand the importance of starting early and investing in child survival and early childhood because it is the foundation of lifelong health,” she says. “If the foundation is strong, a child is more likely to withstand stress later in life. If we don’t start early, we don’t reduce the burden of poverty and allow these children to reach their God-given potential.” 

Poverty is multidimensional, affecting far more than a family’s income. It shapes every part of life. Without enough food, mothers become malnourished and babies are born underweight. Without support, harmful beliefs can take hold. In some communities, for example, mothers are told that the first breastmilk is dirty, so they delay breastfeeding and miss a vital source of early nutrition and immunity. 

These layers of physical, emotional and social barriers combine to make pregnancy, birth and early childhood even more vulnerable for families living in poverty. 

As Kate explains, that’s why Compassion’s intervention is holistic, supporting a mother and her baby physically, socio-emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. 

“An educated mother is an empowered mother, and an empowered mother translates to an empowered family, community and society at large.” 

Children who are nurtured holistically in their earliest years can grow up believing that change is possible and that they can break the cycle of poverty. 

How Compassion supports mothers and babies holistically

Compassion’s local church partners ensure mothers receive vital support during pregnancy and beyond, offering medical care, nutritional support, emotional and spiritual guidance, and a loving community. 

Through home visits, peer group activities and community networks, new mums are not left to face the journey alone. When a mum joins the program, she receives: 

• Home‑based care: Perinatal and postpartum support delivered in her own home, helping with health, nutrition and wellbeing. 
• Advocacy and resources: Assistance to access skilled birth attendants, healthcare services and fair treatment. 
• Community networks: Monthly group activities where mothers share, learn and encourage one another. 
• Practical and life skills: Guidance in literacy, numeracy and small income-generating activities to build self-reliance. 

Following the birth of her baby, the Compassion centre continues to be a place of refuge and joy for Adjowa. She has regained confidence and her faith has grown stronger. 

“I still can’t believe the centre paid for all the medical expenses. I thought they would be tired of me as I am always in need,” Adjowa says. 

“I will never forget what they have done for me. The centre workers and other mothers of the program have become my family. I’m so grateful to have them.” 

It’s this kind of holistic support that inspires long-time Compassion supporters like Dr Virginia McPherson. A consultant radiologist based in Melbourne, Virginia has sponsored multiple children and funded entire Mums and Babies projects. 

She has visited programs in the Philippines, Tanzania and Sri Lanka, seeing firsthand how they are transforming lives.

“I saw women receiving quality healthcare during pregnancy and guidance. They could go to hospital for safe deliveries, but it was more than that—each week, they gathered to connect, learn practical skills and build a community. They were no longer alone and their babies had regular check-ups. 

“I was impressed by the care from the staff. They visited each mother regularly at home and supported them at the centre. I simply could not imagine raising my children in the conditions many of these women live in. The program provides rich, holistic care, lifting women above the poverty line while slowly healing the trauma they’ve endured. It was a privilege to see,” Virginia says. 

A brighter future starts with survival

Every child, fearfully and wonderfully made, deserves the best possible start to life. As Psalm 139 reminds us, each of us is “knit together in our mother’s womb,” a reflection of God’s love from the very beginning. 

Through the support of Compassion’s global neighbourhood, we continue to invest in the first 1,000 days, knowing how crucial they are to infant survival, early childhood development and lifelong health. 

This is the measurable impact from the 2025 financial year: 

• 37,841 babies and mums received care during pregnancy and the first year of life 
• 14,228 babies were welcomed safely 
• 93.2 per cent of babies were born at a healthy birthweight 
• 80.3 per cent of women had a skilled birth attendant 
• 90.6 per cent of mothers were able to breastfeed, helping prevent malnutrition

Article Supplied with Thanks to Compassion

Written by Bridget Hadfield, Compassion Australia, with local reporting by Akpene, Compassion Togo.

Feature image: Supplied

Every mother wants to give her baby the best start in life. But for many, especially in vulnerable communities, that desire is met with real challenges such as limited access to healthcare and postnatal support, the pressure to return to work and harmful myths about breastfeeding. 

In countries like Bolivia, local churches are walking alongside new mothers by offering practical support, encouragement and guidance during the first critical years of a child’s life.

Rosa, Sandra and Danielly are all mothers with several children. But it wasn’t until they joined Compassion’s Mums and Babies program at their local church that they began to understand the importance of breastfeeding.

“With my other children, I didn’t know much about breastfeeding—how to do it, until what age or when,” says Danielly, a 21-year-old mum of three boys. “In the program, I learned that the mother’s milk is very nutritious and healthier for them.”

Sandra adds, “We’ve been encouraged to keep breastfeeding until at least six months, when possible. I also learned that talking and connecting with your baby while you feed them is important too.”

For many mothers in poor communities, daily life brings pressures that make breastfeeding more difficult. Rosa shares: “My husband works as a bricklayer, and I used to help him. So I didn’t have time to stay with my baby and breastfeed him. But I learned the importance of doing it until they are at least six months.”

Every feeding journey is different and not every mother can breastfeed. Mothers around the world, regardless of economic or social circumstances, face challenges when feeding their babies.

Local church workers like Ruth come alongside each woman with grace and patience. “Many mothers give up,” she says. “But we give constant encouragement.”

Through Compassion’s Mums and Babies program, women are finding a safe and trusted space where harmful myths are replaced with reliable information and where they’re met with hope, care and community as they nurture their babies and give them best start possible.

Article supplied with thanks to Compassion Australia.

Feature image: Supplied and used with permission.

“When water came out, people were coming from different places, running to see what miracle had started. It was a great joy!” says Boaz, a local Compassion staff member in Tanzania. Find out how the provision of clean water transformed a family and community in the rural village of Karambandea, Tanzania.

That day was no different to most other days for Edward. He took his livestock out to graze, just as he had done every day that week. It was important to him that the cattle fed well so that he could sell healthy animals and earn an income for his family. 

However, on that particular day he decided to wander further than usual. He stood watching the animals graze peacefully in the field. That’s when he heard it. A rustle in the bushes. Camouflaged by the dense foliage, the wild buffalo knocked Edward to the ground before he could even turn around. 

“It came as a surprise,” says Edward. “It charged and hit me and I fell down. When I touched my ribs, I could feel there was a hole. When I looked, I could see my ribs coming out.” 

Edward tried to get up and walk, but he couldn’t get far. Lying on the ground, staring up at the sky, he wondered if this was his last day on earth. Alone in the wilderness, Edward prayed to the God who had always helped him. 

The Challenge of Everyday Life

Edward’s prayers were answered that day and he was able to get medical attention for his injuries. However, the road to recovery was long with multiple complications along the way. For families like Edward’s who live in poverty, income fragility means that any change in their circumstance like natural disasters or injuries can have a substantial impact on their ability to generate an income. 

Upendo is Edward and Jennifer’s 8-year-old daughter. She and her mother depend on her father’s income since he is the sole breadwinner in their family. For Edward, Jennifer and Upendo, life in Karambandea was already difficult. Though they are surrounded by the beauty of nature, the rough climate and proximity to the wilderness makes life unpredictable. They struggle to earn enough money to provide for even their basic needs and this setback simply added to the strain. However, in this Maasai community, the biggest challenge is their lack of access to clean water.

The Ripple Effects of Water Scarcity

“Karambandea is a dry place,” says Boaz, a local staff member with Compassion Tanzania. “In Karambandea, they face the challenge of water.” 

With no clean water sources close by, Jennifer usually takes Upendo with her as they walk for hours looking for water. There is no one else to take care of Upendo so the young girl accompanies her mother on long journeys on foot to fetch and carry water for their family. 

“I would go the distance carrying my child while the sun is very hot,” says Jennifer. “Sometimes when it rains, we fetch the rainwater from the watering holes and we use it to drink, cook and wash our clothes.” 

The scarcity of water and the harsh, arid climate force women and children to leave their village and travel up to 28 kilometres in search of water. The journey is not only exhausting but also dangerous. They risk encounters with wild animals like hyenas, elephants and lions along the way and also face the threat of physical and sexual abuse from men in neighbouring tribes and villages. Additionally, children are unable to attend school or are too tired from the long journey to concentrate in class. This has a negative effect on their education and ability to break free from the cycle of poverty. 

“I help my mother to fetch water”, says Upendo. “It is tough.” 

The Maasai community relies on pastoralism, depending on the buying and selling of livestock to make a living. However, the lack of rain often leaves their animals underfed, resulting in thin and frail livestock. This significantly impacts their ability to sell the animals and earn an income. 

But the devastating effects don’t stop there. 

“There are outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and other issues caused by unsafe water,” says Samuel, the coordinator of Compassion’s local child development centre. “There is a risk of death because they lack the necessary money to go to hospital.” 

Access to clean water is a fundamental human necessity because it is essential for survival, health and dignity. It should be available to every human being, no matter where they live or what they own. Without it, communities like Karambandea face severe health risks, economic challenges and social inequalities. Ensuring that every person has access to clean water is not only a matter of health but also a basic human right. 

According to the World Bank, only 61 per cent of households in Tanzania have access to basic water supply, 32 per cent have access to basic sanitation, and 48 per cent have access to basic hygiene. This lack of essential services has led to significant health crises, with women, children, and those living in poverty bearing the brunt of the effects. Each year, an estimated 31,000 deaths in Tanzania are attributed to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services, accounting for over 10 per cent of preventable deaths in the country. 

Upendo’s village is no exception. 

The Impact of One Borehole and Water Tank

Upendo was registered at Compassion’s local child development centre in Karambandea when she was 3 years old. Jennifer recalls the profound impact the local church had on their family, particularly in Upendo’s life. 

“Compassion brought hope to our children,” says Jennifer. 

Through Compassion’s Child Sponsorship Program, Upendo receives holistic care. She is able to go to school, have access to medical treatment, nutritious food and the support of a sponsor she loves. Samuel says the relationship between Upendo and her sponsor is special. Upendo is overjoyed when she receives a letter from her sponsor and is always keen to respond immediately. This holistic care and support is also extended to the other 200 children and their families registered in the Compassion program. 

However, the impact of the local church does not stop there. The locally led solutions focus on the most urgent and pressing needs in the area. For the rural village of Karambandea, hope came in the form of a borehole and water tank that would provide clean water for their community. 

Through a Water and Sanitation intervention implemented by the local church, the village was provided with clean and safe water right on their doorstep. With the drilling of one borehole providing clean water to Upendo’s village, the impact has been transformational. 

No longer do mothers and daughters have to travel 28 kilometres just to find water. No longer are they vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse on this journey. 

“It was a challenge for girls. But now we don’t have that issue because of the presence of water,” says Pastor David, the local church pastor. 

Access to safe water has meant a drop in early pregnancy rates and a reduction in waterborne disease and illness. Children can attend school and families can go to church together because they don’t have to spend half a day fetching water. The provision of a clean and sustainable water source for Karambandea has impacted the health, hygiene, education and the safety of this Maasai community. 

“We are truly happy,” says Jennifer. “We thank God because now we have clean water we can use to drink, cook and wash.” 

Access to safe water is one of the most urgent needs in our global neighbourhood today, and through Compassion’s Water and Sanitation Critical Needs fund, families and communities like Upendo’s are receiving the love of Jesus through practical resolutions. The provision of sustainable water solutions, sanitation and hygiene interventions profoundly impacts Compassion-assisted children and their families. Safe water solutions reduce disease and death, promote healthier lives, and improve economic and educational outcomes. Often, the impact is not just contained to children and families within Compassion’s program—just like in Karambandea, the transformational impact extends to the entire community. 

Water is more than just a physical resource for Upendo and her community. It’s an answer to prayer that has transformed the lives of everyone in their village. 

“Water symbolises life,” says Boaz. “Water is now flowing like a river of joy in the community.”

Article supplied with thanks to Compassion Australia.

Feature image: Supplied and used with Permission