Who we are
We exist to make birth safe NOW and for the FUTURE
Aminata Maternal Foundation is a global humanitarian organisation established to END infant and maternal mortality in Sierra Leone: one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth.
Since its formation 10 years ago, our initiatives have delivered strong and measurable results. Maternal and child health remain urgent challenges in Sierra Leone. We are a registered charity with tax-deductible status.
We believe that EVERY baby has the right to take their First Breath no matter where they are born.
We work to consistently improve the wellbeing of mothers and babies by providing dignified services and creating infrastructures and resources to eradicate this crisis.
Sierra Leone is one of the most dangerous places on Earth to give birth. There is a critical shortage of maternal health professionals. There are less than 800 midwives and 10 obstetricians in the country with the same population of New South Wales (7.8 million). In comparison, NSW has 8000 midwives and around 650 specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Our approach
We work respectfully and closely with the Sierra Leone government. By highlighting and supporting the incredible efforts that the government is doing through education, we help to strengthen health and economic outcomes in Sierra Leone.
Our collaborative approach ensures that we can achieve our mission to tackle and END infant and maternal mortality in Sierra Leone.
Our mission
For over 10 years, we have partnered with the exceptional hospital, the Aberdeen Women’s Centre in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We work with pregnant women and pregnant teenagers to ensure safe delivery for both mothers and their babies, improving their health and wellbeing along the way.
There are very few facilities in rural areas in Sierra Leone where women can safely give birth and receive thorough pre- and post-natal care. Aberdeen Women’s Centre is the second busiest hospital in Sierra Leone. They serve the most significant unmet needs of women and girls in Freetown.
The hospital’s mission is to provide high quality, holistic care to vulnerable women and girls, by providing maternity, fistula and child health care services free of charge.
Over 3,000 women per year receive safe births, along with pre post-natal care and education.
We are determined to reduce the preventable deaths of mothers and babies in childbirth. Through a holistic strategy, Aminata Maternal Foundation is committed to breaking barriers for mothers and babies in rural Sierra Leone.
We do this by combining education, improved health services, reliable emergency support and training opportunities through our Rural Centre for Excellence.
Our priority areas of work include:
Partnering with health services, The Freedom From Fistula Foundation and Aberdeen Women’s Centre, Freetown, to tackle maternal mortality.
Expand the Dream Girls / Rising Girls Program: We are adapting this support program for pregnant girls (11-18 years) to rural settings, starting at Binkolo and Kalangba CHCs.
Equip Binkolo and Kalangba community healthcare centres to become Centres of Excellence. Upgrade the health centres with essential medical equipment and provide staff training to enhance service delivery.
Ambulance / Mobile Clinic Service We have purchased and refurbished three Toyota Land Cruisers as ambulances and mobile clinics to ensure timely medical support and transport.
Strengthening the infrastructure of the maternal healthcare system in Sierra Leone through a midwifery training program.
Raising awareness globally regarding the challenges of access to safe and timely maternal healthcare and intervention in Sierra Leone.
Working with teenage mothers to ensure safe delivery of babies, pre- and post-natal care, counselling services, and a pathway to education.