Ra’eda has been on the frontlines of maternal health, for over 20 years, helping thousands of women to safely navigate pregnancy and childbirth in some of the world’s most crisis-affected regions.

Now 42, the highly skilled midwife works at a Relief International health center in Syria, where she provides essential pre and postnatal care, as well as delivery support, to women who often have no other access to safe medical care.

“I studied nursing and graduated in 1999,” she says. “Then I specialized in midwifery and worked in several hospitals before joining Relief International. This work isn’t just a job—it’s a humanitarian mission.” 

Guiding mothers through life’s most vulnerable moments 

Ra’eda describes her role as both a responsibility and a privilege.

“Helping a mother safely bring her baby into the world—and ensuring they’re both healthy—brings me immense joy. That feeling motivates me to give everything I have, no matter how hard it gets.” 

Operating in a region marked by poverty and instability, Ra’eda and her team faced constant challenges. Many women arrive at the clinic in critical condition, having received no prior medical care. At times, security concerns prevent patients from reaching the center—or make it difficult for Ra’eda to reach them.

“Night-time emergencies are especially difficult,” she says. “We’ve had cases with severe bleeding or other life-threatening complications, and the nearest hospital was either too far or unreachable due to the security situation. In those moments, we do whatever we can—sometimes managing the case with remote guidance from doctors. We refuse to give up.” 

She remembers one case vividly – a woman in her third pregnancy who had suffered postpartum hemorrhage during each of her previous births.

“It was late at night. She started hemorrhaging during delivery,” Ra’eda recalls. “We immediately gave her medication, followed the doctor’s instructions step by step, and monitored her closely. Thankfully, both she and her baby survived. She recovered fully—it was a moment of real triumph.” 

Transforming lives through compassionate care 

Moments like these are what fuel Ra’eda’s unwavering commitment.

“They remind me why this work matters so much. Without this center, many women wouldn’t survive childbirth.” 

Looking ahead, she dreams of expanding Relief International’s reach.

“We need more centers like this one. I hope to see this project grow and serve even more women and families. Because this isn’t just about saving lives today—it’s about building a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.”

Relief International and European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)

Relief International has only been able to support people like Dalia because of the support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). EU ECHO currently supports health facilities and protection spaces operated by Relief International across Syria. EU ECHO currently supports 15 health facilities and 10 protection spaces operated by Relief International across Syria. Thanks to ECHO’s support last year, Relief International was able to deliver healthcare to over 400,000 individuals and provide essential protection services to nearly 10,000 people.