Story 2026 – Strengthening health systems starts with skilled providers

The hypertensive disorder pre-eclampsia can be life-threatening for pregnant women and their babies, and early detection makes all the difference.

When Ana Bonifácio — who was 31 weeks pregnant — arrived at a health center in Alto Molocué, Mozambique, for her prenatal check-up, nurse Arlete Estêvão Daniel checked her blood pressure and screened her for hypertensive disorders.

Arlete swiftly diagnosed Ana with severe pre-eclampsia, stabilized her with medication and arranged an emergency referral. Soon after, Ana delivered her daughter Edma, who weighed just over two pounds.

Between 2023 and 2025, Arlete had participated in multiple clinical trainings through FHI 360’s Alcançar: Achieving Quality Health Services for Women and Children project. With the skills she gained, she began identifying more cases of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, helping women like Ana.

“The experience completely changed my perspective on the importance of maternal care,” says Arlete. “With the knowledge I gained from the training, I was able to identify complications at an early stage. I have learned to value every woman’s life, because saving one woman means safeguarding the lives of thousands more.”