Aissatou is a 30‑year‑old woman living in the region of Linguère, Senegal, where she is an active member of her village’s women’s group. Through this group, she learned about the Healthy Families and Communities Program, led by World Renew partner Senegalese Lutheran Development Services (SLDS).

Learning, Recognition, and Courage

One day, Aissatou attended a group discussion about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), facilitated by program leader Mrs. Mariame Hanne. As the conversation unfolded, something struck her deeply.
“When Mariame was talking about the symptoms, it was as if she was describing my own health issues,” Aissatou says.

The discussion gave Aissatou the language and confidence to recognize what she had been experiencing for some time. With encouragement from her husband, she decided to seek more information and support from SLDS program staff, who connected her with a qualified health clinic specialist.

Care That Strengthens Families

The doctor not only treated Aissatou, but also invited her husband to receive treatment as well—helping ensure lasting healing and renewed trust within their marriage.

Thanks to the care she received, Aissatou’s life is no longer controlled by an untreated infection. The impact went far beyond physical recovery. After eight years of marriage without being able to have children because of the STI, Aissatou is now pregnant.

“I am healed and fulfilled today,” she says. “I sincerely thank the SLDS team and their program for their assistance, advice, and support.”

Hope for Ongoing Work

Stories like Aissatou’s reflect the power of accessible health education, early intervention, and compassionate care. As World Renew and its partners continue supporting community health across West Africa and beyond, there is a shared hope for wisdom, effective collaboration, and sustainable impact—so that more individuals and families can experience restored health, dignity, and opportunity.