Meet Debra Olumbo, Championing Community Health and Empowering Teenage Mothers

Long before Debra Olumbo became a community health worker in 2014, her heart was already devoted to serving others. Growing up without her parents, Debra faced significant challenges, but these experiences fueled her passion for helping her community. She often reflects on the lessons learned from her youth and uses them to guide her mission of creating a better path for other young women.

In Wachara village, Kisumu West Sub-County, Debra took a bold step by founding the “Mother-to-Mother” support group. This initiative supports young mothers and pregnant teenagers, helping them navigate the often-daunting journey of motherhood. Today, she mentors 23 young mothers, offering them not just guidance but also a sense of belonging and hope.

As a community health worker (#CHW) based in Kisumu, Kenya, Debra serves over 100 households. Her unwavering commitment to the girl child has made her a trusted ally for teenage mothers. Equipped with training in integrated community case management by Living Goods, she provides them with health education, encourages them to seek antenatal and postnatal care, and links them with nurses and counselors at healthcare facilities. She goes further, engaging parents to build a supportive network around these young mothers.

Debra knows that these teenagers are, in her words, “children bringing up a child.” Her work extends beyond safe deliveries to promoting exclusive breastfeeding, recognizing danger signs in babies, and teaching proper hygiene practices. Through her tireless efforts, she’s breaking down stigma, fostering acceptance, and advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable young mothers.

For Debra, success means a world where teenage pregnancy is met with understanding, not judgment—a world where young mothers feel supported, valued, and empowered. Her community’s gratitude fuels her determination to do even more.

Debra Olumbo’s transformative work has earned her a spot as a speaker at the Global Digital Health Forum, where she will share her inspiring journey and vision for a healthier, more inclusive future.