When the husband gets involved, the mother and baby are safe.

The inspiring story of Mr. Isaac Sarva in the town of Maroua (northern Cameroon) and his commitment to fighting malaria alongside his wife.

Isaac Sarva, a resident of the Touperé Guizigaré neighborhood in the Kodek health zone (Maroua health district, Cameroon), was like many men in his community, trapped by the stubborn belief that “pregnancy is a woman’s business.”

In 2020, when his wife Pauline became pregnant with their first child, the news was greeted with joy tinged with inexperience and hesitation, but he neglected to accompany her to her first prenatal consultation (PNC). For him, accompanying Pauline was an unnecessary burden. He had “other priorities,” convinced that she could manage on her own. Pauline, for her part, afraid of coming across as demanding, kept quiet and went to the Djarengole Kodek health center alone, despite feeling unwell.

However, this self-sacrifice would come at a terrifying price. During her third visit, the nurses noticed high blood pressure, early anemia, and a risk of malaria because she was not sleeping under an impregnated mosquito net. Above all, she was behind schedule with her prenatal exams because she did not have the financial means to pay for them.

The danger became a reality when Pauline was rushed to Djarengole Kodek Hospital and diagnosed with severe malaria. Contacted urgently by the midwife, Isaac arrived at the hospital and, seeing his wife weakened and his baby in danger, realized the crucial importance of his role. In the panic of the emergency, he understood that by neglecting prenatal care, he was not only putting his wife at risk, but also the life of his own child.

This moment was a true rebirth for Isaac. Profoundly transformed, he became a devoted husband and responsible father. The hesitant man of the past had vanished. He made a commitment to never leave Pauline alone in the maternity ward hallway again. From then on, Isaac accompanied his wife to every appointment and actively sought information about maternal health. Above all, he noticed that his presence had a significant influence on the quality of care his pregnant wife received. His presence facilitated his wife’s care until the birth of their child, and his wife felt more secure and reassured during her prenatal appointments.

During the second pregnancy, two years later, the hesitant man from the first maternity ward hallway had disappeared. Now an experienced husband, he was present at every stage of the pregnancy. Isaac made time for each prenatal appointment, carried the health record book, asked the midwives the right questions, and looked after Pauline. On the day of the birth, he stayed by her side, supporting her throughout. Back home, he became the pillar of the family.

Now, Isaac makes sure that vaccination schedules are followed and accompanies Pauline to their baby’s vaccination appointments.
Little by little, Isaac has become the father he dreamed of being: present, calm, stable.He has become a committed father, a supportive partner, a pillar of strength, and a source of pride for his family.
Pauline feels more fulfilled and secure with Isaac, knowing that she will never have to face anything alone again.

Today, Isaac Sarva is recognized as a model of marital commitment in the fight against malaria, within his family and his community. Through his story, he aspires to become a peer educator who inspires lasting behavioral change in other men in the community.

He recently highlighted his commitment by sharing his experience during an awareness-raising activity on the involvement of men in the fight against malaria. This event was organized by the local CSO CADELCO as part of the Equité Accès Palu (EAP) initiative implemented by Impact Santé Afrique (ISA) in four health districts (Maroua, Mokolo, Mifi, and Doumé in Cameroon). The event was held on the esplanade of the Touperé chiefdom. His testimony deeply inspired the young men present, encouraging them to become actively involved in malaria prevention and the health of their own households.

Pleased with this change in mindset, Isaac Sarva expressed his gratitude to Impact Santé Afrique in these words: “Thanks to Impact Santé Afrique, I have understood that being a good husband and father is about much more than just bringing money home. Above all, it means being involved in the well-being of your family.”