🎯 Purpose of This Lesson

This lesson showcases real-life stories from African mothers who faced newborn jaundice. These stories help:
✅ Break the silence around newborn illness
✅ Encourage early recognition and medical help
✅ Debunk dangerous myths and replace them with lived wisdom
✅ Show how community support and CHWs save lives

🇬🇭 Ghana: Ama’s Story – Kumasi

“When my baby girl was born, she was fine at first. But on the second day, I noticed her eyes and palms were yellow. My mother-in-law said it was because I drank too much palm wine during pregnancy. We almost gave her herbal bath water. But the CHW in our area told us to go straight to the Komfo Anokye Hospital. They did blood tests and started light treatment (phototherapy). Today, my baby is healthy and can now sit and babble. I tell all new mothers—please don’t delay.”

Key takeaway: CHW intervention helped Ama avoid dangerous home remedies.

🇰🇪 Kenya: Wanjiku’s Story – Kiambu County

“We thought jaundice was just ‘yellow baby syndrome’ and would go away. I was told to put the baby in the sun every morning. But the baby became sleepy, stopped feeding, and wouldn’t open her eyes. I panicked. A friend shared the 1195 hotline number. We were referred to a hospital with phototherapy. Nurses told me my baby was almost going into a coma from too much bilirubin. Now I share this lesson in my church group.”

Key takeaway: National hotline and timely hospital care prevented brain damage.

🇳🇬 Nigeria: Halima’s Story – Jos, Plateau State

“My son had yellow skin, and the neighbours told me to rub him with charcoal and give glucose water. But my husband, who had attended a TBAs’ training, said ‘No, this is dangerous.’ We went to the teaching hospital. There they told us it was blood group incompatibility. My baby needed blood transfusion. I cried. But now he’s one year old and healthy. I always tell women: jaundice is not from curses—it’s a real sickness.”

Key takeaway: Trained TBA father and hospital referral saved the baby from kernicterus.

🇺🇬 Uganda: Florence’s Story – Lira District

“In our village, people don’t take yellow babies seriously. My baby’s skin turned yellow after two days, but I didn’t know it was bad. I used local herbs. She became weak and was not crying well. Luckily, our VHT passed by on a home visit. She noticed the signs and called Mulago referral unit. I was given a referral letter. The hospital admitted us and gave her light therapy. I now volunteer with mothers to raise awareness.”

Key takeaway: Routine VHT home visit triggered life-saving referral.

💡 What We Learn from These Stories

• Jaundice myths are common, but community education works

• CHWs, VHTs, TBAs, and hotline numbers are critical first responders

• Quick referral and phototherapy save lives and brains

• Informed families become advocates in their communities

📢 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a mother, CHW, nurse, or TBA with a powerful story about newborn jaundice?
Submit your voice note, video, or text testimony to:

📧 info@doctorsexplain.org
📱 WhatsApp: +254 725 258 821
🌍 Website: https://doctorsexplain.org