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.

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Mothers worldwide die each year due to lack of basic healthcare and hygiene necessities during pregnancy and childbirth.

Why Do Women Die in Labour?

Maternal Hospital — Sierra Leone, April 2023

Medical Causes

Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure (pre- eclampsia/eclampsia), unsafe abortions, and obstructed labour account for 80% of maternal deaths.

Maternal Hospital — Sierra Leone, April 2023

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.

Slums in Freetown — Sierra Leone, April 2023

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.

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.

Baby Hat
Baby Blanket
Absorbent Pad
Filter
Baby Hat
Baby Blanket
Absorbent Pad
Filter
Fleece
Gloves
Umbilical Cord Clamps
Sterile Umbilical Cord Scissors
Fleece
Gloves
Umbilical Cord Clamps
Sterile Umbilical Cord Scissors

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

We’re developing a tracking system to ensure MMKs reach the hospitals and healthcare facilities that need them most, managing donations effectively.

Visibility & Transparency

As a donor, you can see when and where your donated kits were delivered, ensuring transparency and reinforcing your impact.

Scalability & Reach

By strengthening our digital infrastructure, we can reach remote areas, providing vital maternal healthcare to more high-risk communities.

Delivery & Confirmation

Local hospitals deliver MMKs to mothers in labor, and donors receive confirmation updates, ensuring their support reaches those in need.

Freetown — Sierra Leone, April 2023

Maternal Hospital — Sierra Leone, April 2023

Transforming Maternal Health in Sierra Leone

With one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, mothers and babies in Sierra Leone face severe health challenges. Forster Charity is committed to changing this by providing essential medical kits that support safe childbirth and improve maternal care.