In the medical field, hypertension is known commonly as high blood pressure. Women and fetuses die due to high blood pressure during pregnancy. This is true everywhere, but in places like Kamina in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it happens far too often, simply because women lack the medical knowledge needed.
The healthcare information workshop took place in February 2021 among community health workers, primary school teachers, nurses, and public health female students.
During the workshop, the group discovered that a key role was that of nutrition in hypertension. Pregnant women often do not have a balanced diet, and the lack of prenatal care prevented them from identifying high blood pressure. When salt intake is not reduced, high blood pressure can result, endangering the expectant mother and child. In addition, a locally-produced beer is a staple drink.
With support from a generous donor, we are beginning to strengthen the women’s network in information sharing for life. You can add to these efforts by giving today.
One participant, Annie, who is a schoolteacher, believes that peer education is very useful. In fact, it is essential when coupled with scientific facts that can save and enhance the lives of women and their unborn babies.
Other participants shared their insight. For example, Ilunga Mwayuma Hubertine, a student in public health, expressed the importance of knowing what normal blood pressure is.
During pregnancies, keeping a proper diet is key, as is the avoidance of drinking alcohol and smoking. Monga Kapemba Vanessa, a student in public health, urges nurses to start an open conversation with pregnant women on how to keep themselves and their children safe and healthy at home to prevent crisis and chaos.
In sum, female students, nurses, and teachers have shared reasons why pregnant women have high blood pressure. While female students presented the symptoms, teachers and nurses shared knowledge of root causes and shared from daily experiences why pregnant women have high blood pressure. If women who bear life can also bear lifesaving information, generations will find healing and wholeness.
Sharing unfolds knowledge.