The Long Road: A Mother’s Quest to Cure Her Child

It was nine years ago, back in 2015, when *Amelia's life took an unexpected turn. A routine day at the farm with her daughter *Maria, then just six years old, would redefine their lives. 

The day began like any other, with Amelia and Maria collecting peanuts under the sun. Maria, usually full of energy and laughter, surprised her mother by expressing a desire to go home early. This was unusual, as Maria loved spending time at the farm. Sensing her daughter’s fatigue, Amelia suggested she rest for a while. But when she checked on Maria, she was horrified to find her foaming at the mouth. 

"We rushed her to the hospital on a motorbike, praying all the way. When we got there, they said it was cerebral malaria. They tried their best, but the convulsions wouldn’t stop, and she just got worse," recalls Amelia.  

Despite receiving treatment, her condition worsened. Convulsions wracked her small body, and soon she became barely responsive. She stopped eating and could no longer open her mouth, relying on intravenous nutrition. In a brief moment of clarity, Maria told her mother she was in pain—those would be her last words, uttered nine years ago. 

For two agonizing weeks, they stayed in the hospital, hoping for a miracle. By the third week, financial constraints forced them to return home, with Maria showing no signs of improvement. Back in their village, the situation took a turn for the worse. News of Maria's ailment spread quickly, and villagers urged Amelia to seek traditional treatments, hinting that something sinister might have been done to harm her daughter. 

Desperate and out of options, Amelia visited various traditional healers in nearby regions. Some demanded money to perform their rituals, but no one could offer a solution. The constant trips to Montepuez hospital for medical help were financially draining, especially for Amelia, who struggled to make ends meet from her peanut farm. Eventually, she had to halt the treatments. "I had to stop the treatments due to financial constraints," she lamented. 

When all hope seemed lost, IOM Community Health Workers, conducting regular door-to-door visits in the area, discovered Maria restrained at home to prevent her fits from causing harm to herself or others. Intrigued and concerned, they studied her medical history and identified her condition as epilepsy. Unfortunately, the local hospital was out of the necessary medication. IOM’s team obtained the prescription and provided enough medication to last Maria for two months.

Epilepsy is a medical condition that affects the brain and causes people to have seizures. It is not caused by spirits or any supernatural forces. Seizures happen because of sudden, unusual electrical activity in the brain. With proper medical treatment, many people with epilepsy can lead healthy and active lives. It is important to understand that epilepsy is a health condition, just like diabetes or high blood pressure, and it can be managed with the right care and medication. 

Amelia’s struggles highlight the harsh realities faced by many in rural communities. Her story shows the strength of a mother fighting against the odds and the critical need for accessible healthcare.   

IOM continues to offer a wide range of services to populations affected by crises across Northern Mozambique. These services include essential medical care, health and hygiene education, disease surveillance, and referral support for displaced individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary care. In 2024, IOM's emergency health program has reached over 140,000 people, providing life-saving assistance in the most challenging conditions. With a dedicated team of more than 150 health staff members on the ground, IOM responds quickly and effectively to health crises, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the critical support they need.

IOM’s Health in Emergency Programme is supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and the Embassy of Ireland Mozambique.