Annually, between 250,000 and 343,000 women globally die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, most of which are preventable. The risk for children is also significant; a child whose mother dies in childbirth is 3-10 times more likely to die before the age of two.

Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world:

about 70 deaths per 1,000 live births

(latest UNICEF/World Bank estimates)

in 100,000 live births = 7,000 infant deaths

A stark constrast with the UK:

about 3.9 deaths per 1,000 live births

(recent UK data)

in 100,000 live births = 390 infant deaths

Less than 15% of Sierra Leone’s population

are currently served by fewer than 500 midwives.

To meet the country's needs, the government requires:

3,000 midwives and is actively working to improve midwifery education.

However, efforts are hampered by challenges such as inadequate collaboration with hospitals and a shortage of clinical instructors.

Our research and experience have underscored the importance of promoting gender equality. Our dedicated social workers and nurses at the hospital address a range of critical health issues, including:

Malaria, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, and malnourished children.
Combating female genital mutilation (FGM).
Reducing risks during childbirth.
Tackling teenage pregnancy.
Training future nurses.

BLF’s Outreach Program extends these efforts into villages and schools, focusing on:

Combating FGM
Tackling teenage pregnancy
Supporting mental health
Addressing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Preventing child marriages
Promoting sexual health and contraception
Combating sexual and gender-based violence
Educating about consent and rape prevention
Raising awareness through local girls' football teams

Since 2008, we have treated over 16,771 women with Gynae and Paediatric Consultations of which 1,744 were malnourished babies and toddlers.

With a strong track record in healthcare delivery, and outreach programme, BLF aims to prevent maternal deaths in the district, provide high-quality medical treatment, expand YSH’s services and impact Gender Equality.

Every Birth Deserves Safety

Your support will directly save lives by reducing maternal and new-born mortality through safe, well-equipped childbirth facilities capable of managing complications and delivering neonatal care. It will empower rural women with access to healthcare, health education, and professional training, while creating a sustainable, community-led model for maternal services.

The new Maternity and Neonatal Wing at Yonibana Sai Hospital will strengthen health systems, expand local capacity, and advance UN Sustainable Development Goals on health, gender equality, education, and reduced inequalities. In one of the world’s most underserved regions, this is both a strategic investment and a moral imperative, an opportunity to create lasting, measurable change for generations of mothers and children in Sierra Leone.

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Phase 1 - Maternity Unit:

Transforming Maternal Care in Rural Sierra Leone

Since launching maternity services at Yonibana Sai Hospital (YSH) in June 2024, Better Lives Foundation (BLF) has made significant progress in closing critical gaps in maternal healthcare for the rural communities of Sierra Leone. Under the leadership of Dr. Mistry and a dedicated team of UK-based specialists, Phase 1 has laid a strong foundation for high-quality, community-focused maternity care.

The 24-hour maternity unit, staffed by trained and experienced Maternal and Child Health Aids (MCHAids) health workers, and Community Health Officer (CHO), delivers comprehensive antenatal, labour, and postnatal care in line with national guidelines. Facilities include an outpatient department, inpatient ward, dedicated maternity beds, ultrasound and Doppler capability for early detection of complications, and essential resuscitation equipment for mothers and new-borns. Complicated cases are stabilised and referred to Magburaka Government Hospital, 4–5 hours away, with staff trained to ensure safe transfer.

Key achievements (June 2024 – July 2025):

Pregnancies Registered: 323
Total births (including home deliveries): 107
Children vaccinated: 916
Ongoing CPD training and mentorship from UK clinicians, enhancing local skills and clinical confidence.
Deployment of essential diagnostic tools for maternal and foetal health.
Structured referral system to the nearest secondary care facility.

These gains have already transformed maternal healthcare delivery in Yonibana and neighbouring communities. However, the need remains urgent - especially following the withdrawal of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland from Sierra Leone, which has led to increased patient demand at YSH and intensified pressure on limited resources. BLF has stepped in to absorb this additional caseload, preventing dangerous gaps in maternal care.

Recognising the fragility of the national healthcare system, BLF is preparing for Phase 2: the development of a dedicated Neonatal and Maternity Wing. This expansion will enable surgical capacity, including C-sections, and strengthen the hospital’s ability to save the lives of mothers and new-borns across the region.

Phase 2 - Maternity Wing:

We aim to construct and develop a neonatal and maternity wing to provide high-quality, free healthcare and address the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone.

This new wing will operate 24/7, staffed by trained health workers and midwives. As an extension of YSH, it will feature an outpatient department, labour ward, birthing room, operating theatre, and essential emergency and resuscitation equipment for mothers and infants.

Additionally, the wing will offer phototherapy, oxygen, and blood storage and transfusion services—critical for saving lives. By collaborating with Peripheral Health Units (PHUs), the wing will serve as the local referral centre, reducing the need for the 4–5-hour journey to Magbaruka Government Hospital.

Phase 3 - Teaching Capacity:

We aim to enhance our teaching capacity at YSH to ensure the sustainability of our work and empower both domestic and international healthcare professionals.

Our goal is to develop a postgraduate training program in midwifery, obstetrics, gynaecology, and neonatology, with the aim of achieving university accreditation.

This program will be crucial in training the staff needed to provide maternal and infant care in Sierra Leone and strengthen the country's health systems.

Training and Education Proposal

Following our November 2022 meeting, we propose allocating a senior trained midwife to provide training and clinical support.

This midwife will help develop familiarity with guidelines and protocols and train MCHAs in:

1. Antenatal care
2. Intrapartum care
3. Postnatal care

We believe we can make this dream a reality with your support.

Please help us by spreading the word on social media, and sharing with family, friends, colleagues, mailing lists, and all your contacts. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Can You Help by Donating Equipment?

If you have any questions or would like to donate equipment, please send an email by clicking the button below

email us today!

OUR PLANS FOR THE

Maternity Wing