Support us in
Preventing Maternal
Deaths
Helping mothers survive childbirth with essential medical support and care.
Sierra Leone High Commissioner’s Office — London, April 2023
About Us
Forster Charity is dedicated to preventing maternal deaths in regions like Sierra Leone and Pakistan, where healthcare is scarce. Inspired by Shireen Forster’s experience, we provide life-saving medical support to vulnerable mothers.
Through our Safe Start project, we distribute Medical Maternal Kits (MMKs) to protect mothers during pregnancy, working with trusted partners like PCMH Hospital and the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone.
Essential Medical Maternity Kits (MMKs)
We provide life-saving MMKs to mothers in remote areas, equipping them with the critical supplies needed for a safer childbirth experience.
Strong Healthcare Partnerships
Collaborating with hospitals and health ministries, we ensure our support reaches the right hands, preventing maternal deaths and improving care quality.
Why Do Women Die in Labour?
Medical Causes
Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure (pre- eclampsia/eclampsia), unsafe abortions, and obstructed labour account for 80% of maternal deaths.
Systemic and Socioeconomic Factors
Lack of access to quality healthcare: Many women live far from health facilities or face barriers like cost, poor infrastructure, and insufficient skilled healthcare workers.
Low status of women: Cultural norms often limit women’s autonomy, education, and access to family planning services, increasing risks during pregnancy.
Poverty and inequality: Poor countries lack resources for adequate maternal health systems, leading to disparities compared to wealthier nations.
Statistics
In 2020, 95% of maternal deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, with Sub- Saharan Africa accounting for 69% . South Sudan had the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) at 1,223 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Preventable measures like antenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and access to emergency obstetric care could significantly reduce these deaths.
Stats & Facts From:
What Are Medical Maternity Kits (MMK)?
These kits provide essential supplies to mothers in low-resource countries, preventing complications during labour and ensuring safer births where healthcare access is limited.
Our Medical Maternity Kits (MMK) are developed through extensive research and collaboration with medical experts, led by our CEO.
CEO Alwin Puthenpurakal FHEA FRSA
Donor Transparency
Donors will know which hospital or healthcare facility has received the kits they donated, ensuring accountability and impact.
How Your Support Makes a Direct Impact
We are committed to reducing maternal mortality and improving care for mothers and babies in Sierra Leone. By fostering a transparent and meaningful connection between donors and the charity, we ensure that every contribution makes a difference.
Tracking & Accountability
Visibility & Transparency
Scalability & Reach
Delivery & Confirmation
Freetown — Sierra Leone, April 2023