This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On World Mother's Day, we take a moment to appreciate the selfless love and dedication of mothers everywhere. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers are facing unprecedented challenges, from caring for their children to navigating the complexities of a global health crisis.
According to Dr. Zabulon Yoti, Regional Emergencies Director at the World Health Organisation (WHO), women in Africa are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with higher mortality rates compared to men. 'They are caregivers, and it is likely that they will interact more with the affected. It is biological and cultural,' he notes.
Mothers from different backgrounds share their stories of motherhood, each with their own unique perspective. Phylis Ouko, a mother who lost her daughter in the Dusit attack, describes motherhood as 'being ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.' She recalls the day her daughter was trapped in the building, and how she camped outside, waiting for her to be rescued.
For Amina Kazungu, a mother of 11, motherhood is about 'forgetting yourself' and giving until you have nothing left. She shares her story of how she came to have so many children, and how she believes that each one of them has a special gift to offer the world.
Other mothers share their own stories of motherhood, from Dr. Nelly Pato, a frontline doctor who has been working tirelessly to combat the pandemic, to Grace Wanunda, a mother who adopted her children and has found love and purpose in her new role.
As we celebrate World Mother's Day, we are reminded of the strength, resilience, and love that mothers embody. In the face of adversity, mothers are there to protect, care for, and guide their children, often putting their own needs last.
As one mother so eloquently puts it, 'Motherhood is knowing someone's future depends on you. You cannot mess it up. It is positivity.'
