Why
In 2020, nearly 800 preventable maternal deaths occurred daily worldwide, with a maternal death happening every two minutes. The majority (95%) of these deaths took place in low and lower middle-income countries.
Access to skilled healthcare professionals during pregnancy and childbirth is crucial for saving the lives of both women and newborns. LFAM is dedicated to reducing the maternal death rate and making a positive impact in this area.
LFAM takes a simple but effective approach to saving mothers and babies lives: The Two M’s Midwives & Medication .
Mother
Maternal deaths disproportionately impact impoverished nations, emphasising the crucial role of mothers in the well-being of their families, communities, and countries.
The disparity between developed and low-middle-income countries is evident, with Sub-Saharan Africa facing the highest burden of maternal mortality.
The majority of these deaths stem from preventable or treatable complications during and after pregnancy. Severe bleeding, particularly postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), accounts for a third of all maternal deaths.
Midwives & Misoprostol
Access to appropriate medication like Misoprostol is crucial for preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), but understanding the risk factors is equally important. Midwives and maternity support workers play a unique role in preventing and treating PPH.
Life for African Mothers conducts tailored skills sharing workshops in sub-Saharan Africa, providing training to midwives, nurses, and healthcare workers. Volunteer UK midwives lead these workshops, covering topics related to PPH prevention, treatment, and neonatal resuscitation. The focus is on empowering individual midwives to save lives in low-resource settings.
Participating in these workshops enhances the professional development of UK midwives, giving them firsthand exposure to the challenges faced by their African counterparts. LFAM has sent over 100 volunteer midwives to sub-Saharan countries, benefiting hundreds of healthcare workers and improving survival rates. To learn more about volunteering as a midwife, click here.
PPH is effectively managed in well-resourced countries with access to Oxytocin and blood banks. In the absence of Oxytocin, Misoprostol serves as the next best option. This oral medication is crucial for preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage.
Project Geography
Liberia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. In 2007 LFAM was approached by UNFPA to extend its support to Liberia due to the alarming rates. We are currently collaborating with four hospitals in Liberia, conducting clinical skills sharing workshops and distributing medication to address this critical situation.
In Sierra Leone less than half of pregnant women receive care from experienced birth attendants. In response, the charity has been conducting midwifery skill exchange visits and increasing the distribution of medication, specifically targeting the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), since 2009. With LFAMs help Maternal mortality rates in 2020 have fallen to 443 deaths per 100 00 live births .
Countries Helped
Our Partners
How can you help
To continue our vital work, we rely on the generosity and compassion of individuals like you. Donate, volunteer, or fundraise!
Join us in providing essential equipment and life-saving medication, sharing your medical expertise at workshops, or participating in fundraising events.
Together, we can empower midwives in Sub-Saharan Africa, prevent postpartum hemorrhage, and create a brighter future for mothers and babies in need.