Premature babies in a Sierra Leone maternity hospital, April 2023 – Photo by Shireen
About Us
Ending Preventable
Maternal Deaths
Forster Charity was founded to prevent maternal deaths, focusing on regions like Sierra Leone and Pakistan, where healthcare resources are scarce. Inspired by Shireen Forster’s personal experience, we are dedicated to providing life-saving medical support to vulnerable mothers.
Every year, preventable complications claim countless lives. Forster Charity combats this crisis by distributing Medical Maternal Kits (MMK) through our project called Safe Start. Partnering with innovative providers, we reach remote areas to protect mothers during pregnancy.
To maximize our impact, we collaborate with key partners, including PCMH Hospital and the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone. During our visit to PCMH Hospital in Freetown, they welcomed the opportunity to work with us.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health has expressed their commitment to ensuring these kits reach the right hands, are distributed safely, and do not end up on the black market.
Maternal hospital conditions in Sierra Leone, April 2023 – Photos by Shireen
Causes of Maternal Death in Poor Countries
Why Do Women Die in Poor Countries During Labour?
Women in poor countries die during labour due to a combination of medical, socioeconomic, and systemic factors:
Medical Causes
Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), infections, high blood pressure (pre- eclampsia/eclampsia), unsafe abortions, and obstructed labour account for 80% of maternal deaths.
For more information, see:
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.
For more information, see:
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.
For more information, see:
Donors will know which hospital or healthcare facility has received the kits they donated
Essential Birth Supplies to Protect Mothers and Newborns
What Are Medical Maternity Kits (MMK)?
With the expertise of Alwin and other medical professionals, we have carefully developed the MMK kits to provide essential medical supplies for mothers in low-resource countries. These kits play a crucial role in preventing complications during labour, ensuring the safety of both mothers and babies in regions where access to healthcare is limited.
What’s in Our MMK Kits?
1 x Adult ID Band (250mm x 25mm)
1 x Baby ID Band (170mm x 18mm)
1 x A5 Insert Sheet
1 x Large Baby Hat (13.8 x 18cm)
1 x White Label
1 x Self-Seal Poly Bag
2 x Poly Aprons (80 x 40cm)
1 x Absorbent Inco Pad (60 x 40cm)
4 x White Umbilical Clamps
1 x Yellow Waste Bag (45 x 35cm)
2 x XRD Gauze Swabs (Tied 5’s, 12 ply, 10 x 10cm)
1 x Baby Hat (11.5 x 15cm)
1 x Umbilical Cord Scissors
Help Us Deliver Essential Care
Donate Now
Give a One-Off Donation
Give Monthly
Every hour in Sierra Leone, three newborns lose their lives to preventable conditions, leaving families heartbroken
How Your Support Makes a Direct Impact
Connecting Donors to Mothers in Need
Sierra Leone, April 2023 – Video by Shayaan
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 are developing a tracking system to monitor the distribution and use of Medical Maternal Kits (MMKs). This ensures that donations are effectively managed, reaching the hospitals and healthcare facilities that need them most.
Visibility & Transparency
As a donor, you will be able to see which hospital or healthcare facility received the kits you donated, along with when and where they were delivered. This level of insight strengthens trust and reinforces the real impact of your support.
Scalability & Reach
By enhancing our charity’s digital infrastructure, we are ensuring that our programme can expand into remote and rural areas where maternal healthcare is critically needed. This growth allows us to serve more mothers and babies in high-risk communities.
Delivery & Confirmation
Local hospitals distribute the MMKs directly to mothers in labour and their babies. Once the packages are delivered, donors will receive a confirmation update, providing reassurance that their contribution has reached those in need.
Delivering essential care for mothers and newborns in need
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.
Maternal hospital conditions in Sierra Leone, April 2023 – Photos by Shireen