Since 2009, LFAM has been at the forefront of delivering vital medications and providing essential midwifery training to combat the alarming rates of maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. Among these medications, Misoprostol stands out as a crucial tool in preventing and treating postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), a primary cause of maternal deaths.
However, LFAM encountered significant challenges in ensuring timely and safe delivery of these life-saving medications. Transporting supplies from the airport to the Mercy Ships Aberdeen Women’s Hospital in Freetown and distributing them across the country posed logistical hurdles, especially given the state of the roads.
In January 2024, LFAM received a game-changing contribution from a UK foundation: a brand-new vehicle. This generous donation has revolutionized the transportation of Misoprostol and midwives, simplifying distribution efforts and enhancing accessibility throughout the country.
Angela Gorman, CEO of LFAM, commented: 'LFAM has had to rely on using a Ministry of Health vehicle to distribute medications and transport midwives. Now, thanks to our long-standing partner, we have our own vehicle. The Waterloo Foundation has been a great supporter of our cause to decrease maternal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will make life so much easier for everyone involved. I can't wait for my first journey in it.'
The Waterloo Foundation is an independent Welsh Foundation created in 2007, helping communities and organizations globally, particularly in the areas of the disparity of opportunities and wealth and the unsustainable use of the world’s natural resources.
‘As the happy news arrived, we wanted to make a meaningful gesture to those who helped LFAM along our journey. The vehicle will proudly bear the name of Abdul Bangura, LFAM's volunteer, who has helped LFAM to achieve a remarkable reduction in the country's maternal deaths.
Abdul served as a dedicated LFAM volunteer from 2017 until his passing in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication to saving lives. He was a very active 59-year-old who had the widest smile and took immense pleasure and pride in his work, aimed at saving mothers and babies. Alongside our Representative Morlai Kamara, he attended meetings with the Ministry of Health, and like all our volunteers, he was a man of huge integrity and modesty.’
Morlai Kamara, LFAM’s Country Director, remarked, 'Mr. Abdul Bangura was a dedicated LFAM volunteer specifically responsible for the distribution of Misoprostol, collecting monthly usage reports, and assisting in organizing all midwifery training in the districts and counties we served. As the country representative, I consider Mr. Bangura an elder brother; he was always with me day and night, offering invaluable advice for the future and sustainability of LFAM projects in Sierra Leone. Even when sick, he made sure to accompany us on project implementations. Whenever there was a disaster, whether fire, flooding, mudslides, or anything requiring community help, he was there. Abdul Bangura is already greatly missed by everyone, especially his family and the community he served.
Thank you, Abdul Bangura, for all your dedication and kindness. You have helped save the lives of thousands of mothers and babies.’
The local LFAM board in Sierra Leone recommended replacing Mr. Bangura with his son, Abdul Bangura Junior, allowing the Bangura family to continue their volunteering legacy with Life for African Mothers.