Strengthening Maternal Health Systems in Sierra Leone: Preventing Orphanhood at the Root

Sometimes when I'm talking to colleagues in the global child welfare sector, they'll remark "you have a hospital too?"  I know they're wondering what a hospital has to do with HCW's work to ensure that every child has a strong family - and they can't always see what role a hospital might play in achieving this goal.  So - while Yaz, HCW's intrepid Tech Advisor for Global Health and Missions is in Sierra Leone, I'm seizing the opportunity to explain how the work of our allies at Mercy Hospital and their focus on infant and maternal health feeds directly into the child protection and child welfare work at the Child Reintegration Centre - and connects critically and importantly to the global care reform movement to ensure that every child grows up in a safe and permanent family - and doesn't become an orphan.

The birth of a child should be a time of pure joy and excitement for the future. But for many families, it can also be a time of worry and risk. Sadly, Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in the world, putting countless women and their babies in danger. This heartbreaking reality impacts not only the mothers but their children, families, and entire communities.  Our Allies at Mercy Hospital  are working hard to change that by strengthening maternal health systems to address the root causes of orphanhood and give every child a better start in life.

Why Maternal Health Matters for Families
When a mother dies during childbirth, the effects are devastating. A child born into the world without their mother faces an uphill battle from day one. Without a mother’s love and care, they may struggle to get proper nutrition, support, and stability. Some children even end up orphaned if no other caregivers can step in. That’s why protecting mothers during childbirth is so important. By keeping mothers safe and healthy, Mercy hospital is also protecting their children’s futures and preventing children from becoming orphaned in the first place.

Every mother deserves a safe and supported delivery, and every child deserves a loving start to life. That’s why maternal health is at the heart of what Mercy does.  

Mercy, HCW  and the Together for Global Health Network supports the work of Mercy in taking meaningful steps to strengthen maternal health systems in Sierra Leone. Here’s how :

1. Providing Access to Skilled Care We build the capacity of Mercy's staff and other local healthcare providers to ensure pregnant women have access to skilled birth attendants and essential medical services. This includes supporting the training of Sierra Leonean health workers to train others in their sector, and equipping clinics with lifesaving tools and supplies.
2. Empowering Communities Through Education Knowledge is power. Through community outreach programs, Mercy teaches families about the importance of prenatal care, safe delivery practices, and recognizing danger signs during pregnancy.
3. Building Midwifery Capacity with HCW’s Together for Global Health Network Through HCW’s Together for Global Health network, we work with our Allies at Mercy and in partnership with others (The Christian Health Association Sierra Leone (CHASL), Tenki for Born, Healey International Relief Foundation, King's Global Health Partnerships, Embrace International, and Project Hope) in strengthening the skills of Sierra Leonean midwives. This initiative builds the capacity of local practitioners, equipping them with advanced training and knowledge to provide high-quality care. By empowering midwives, we are enhancing the entire healthcare system’s ability to save lives and support mothers and babies during childbirth.

Preventing Orphanhood Starts Here
When a mother survives childbirth and thrives, her child’s chances of growing up in a safe, loving home increase dramatically. By strengthening maternal health systems, we’re not just saving lives—we’re keeping families together and giving children a brighter future, and reducing the risk they'll become separated from family, or wind up in institutional care.

Join Us in Making a Difference
You can be part of this life-changing mission. Together, we can ensure that every mother in Sierra Leone has the support she needs to bring her baby into the world safely. Together, we can help every child grow up in a loving, stable home.
Visit our website to learn more about how you can support this important work. Let’s make sure no child has to face the world without their mother by their side.

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