Women's Health and Maternity Clinic
Sierra Leone has one of the highest infant mortality rates (86 deaths for every 1,000 born) in the world! The under 5 years mortality rate (120 deaths for every 1000). Sierra Leone also has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world (1,360 deaths for every 100,000 live births), with 500 more deaths per hundred-thousand than the second highest rate. Rates are at their worst in rural areas where proper healthcare is too far when the time for delivery arrives. To say rural mothers and children are at risk is a vast understatement. They are are victimized by unavailable health services and education.Source
Through a 7 year process, the village of Gbeworbu has partnered with Africa Yes! to build a forward-thinking Women’s Health and Maternity Clinic. Mothers no longer have to risk giving birth on the side of the road as they attempt the 3 hour journey to Kenema or the nearest hospital. It provides care for the surrounding villages (11 in total) and proudly hosts electricity 24/7, a medical refrigerator, large patient rooms and indoor plumbing. WIthin the first 6 months, 88 babies were delivered by trained nurses in a sanitary, well-lit environment. Despite the the national average, the hospital has yet to see a baby or mother die during or after childbirth. The Women’s Health and Maternity Clinic will be the center of The Program’s mission. As of 3/2/16 88 babies have safely been delivered and their mothers continue to be healthy. As Africa Yes! continues to push for excellent care for mothers and children, we are working with the nurses, midwives and other leaders to implement workshops and programs to ensure each family stays whole and healthy. |
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