ADRA: About Us - First Monday

First Monday Journal

First Monday is a quarterly network journal whose mission is to inform, inspire and unite the global offices and staff of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

This journal also serves as an educational tool for people outside of ADRA seeking to deepen their understanding of relief and development work.

One Life at a Time

Since the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) introduced Home-Based Lifesaving Skills (HBLSS) to humanitarian agencies more than 10 years ago, the impact of these trainings has not been studied. Recently, one of the creators of the HBLSS curriculum was awarded with a Gates Foundation grant to research the results of HBLSS trainings in targeted communities in Ethiopia, where the methodology has been widely used. Below are some stories from the field that were shared by ACNM consultants.

“Aquila, who received the HBLSS training, heard that her neighbor, Fatima, had delivered a baby at home and had a lot of bleeding. Because Fatima’s husband had also been trained in the lessons, he understood that his wife was in danger and quickly arranged transportation for her to go to the clinic. Aquila went with her, keeping her warm and giving her liquids frequently throughout the one-and-a-half-hour journey. When they arrived at the clinic, the doctor was amazed that Fatima was still alive because she had lost so much blood, and he wanted to know what Aquila had done for her. Aquila told him that as soon as they realized Fatima was having trouble with bleeding, they made a quick decision to bring her to the clinic. Because of the birth preparation they learned in HBLSS, they had everything ready to go. Aquila also gave liquids to Fatima frequently, as she had learned in the training. The doctor confirmed that what they had done (had recognized the problem early, had been ready for referral to the clinic, and had given her frequent liquids during the trip to the clinic) had probably saved Fatima’s life!”

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