In Yambio, South Sudan, where maternal health challenges are constant and re- sources are scarce, one woman shines as a beacon of hope—Mongoye Victoria, a midwife and supervisor of the materni- ty unit at Yambio Hospital. Her dedication to ensuring safe motherhood has trans- formed the lives of countless women in her community. But her path to becoming a midwife was anything but conventional.

Victoria’s journey began in a place she never expected—working as a clerk at the hospital. Fresh out of school, she found herself fascinated by the mid- wives, drawn to their professionalism and life-saving work.

“I admired how they car- ried themselves, their uniforms, and most importantly, the difference they made in people’s lives,”

Victoria recalls. But it wasn’t until a personal crisis struck that her admiration turned into a calling.

One day, Victoria rushed her sister to the hospital in a critical condition. Watching the doctors and midwives work tirelessly to save her sister’s life left a deep impression.

I was so moved by their dedication. That was when I knew—I wanted to save lives too,”

she says, her voice thick with emotion. From that moment, her course was set.

Soon after, Victoria seized an opportunity when a training program came to the hospital, securing a position as a mid- wife assistant. For two years, from 2011 to 2013, she trained on the job, assisting with deliveries even before formally entering school. In 2016, when the Yambio Health Science Institute opened its doors, she enrolled and earned her diploma in midwifery, finally formalizing the skills she had honed through years of hands-on experience.

I’ve been at this hospital since 2010, but getting my diploma was a proud moment—it felt like everything finally came together,”

she says with a smile.

Today, Victoria is not only a midwife but a leader. She over- sees all the midwives at Yambio Hospital, manages sup- plies, mentors new midwives, and handles the most com- plex delivery cases. Her work is a blend of challenges and fulfilment.

Every complicated case I manage feels like a journey of growth,”

she says, reflecting on her role.

Continuous learning is also crucial to Victoria’s work. With the support of UNFPA and Amref Health Africa, Victoria and her team participate in weekly Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions, which help them stay up to date with best practices.

The CPD programs have been key to improving our skills. We identify the areas we need to learn more about, and this has made us better health workers,”

Victoria shares.

But the path to providing safe motherhood in Yam- bio is not easy. The hospital heavily relies on donor support, and when projects phase out, challenges arise—especially the shortage of essential drugs and supplies.

When we don’t have the resources we need, fewer mothers come to the hospital, and that’s heartbreaking,” she explains.

Despite these obstacles, Victoria remains optimistic, crediting or- ganizations like UNFPA and Amref for their ongo- ing support. “Their help with incentives, capacity building, and supplies has kept us going,” she acknowledges gratefully.

Looking ahead, Victoria is determined to expand the services offered at the hospital.

We have started holding weekend sessions for young, first- time mothers to teach them how to care for them- selves and their babies,”

she says with passion. Her vision also includes integrating youth-friend- ly services into the maternity ward, ensuring that young mothers receive the care and support they need.

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Victoria at the maternity ward store, which acts as her office Victoria’s journey—from a curious clerk to a dedicated midwife—embodies hope, re- silience, and an unwavering commitment to safe motherhood. In a region where so many women face life-threatening risks during pregnancy and childbirth, Victoria stands as a symbol of strength, continually working to make a difference, one mother at a time.