Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world
Maternal mortality in Sierra Leone – photo gallery
Millions of women throughout the world are the victims of poverty and conflict. Women are particularly vulnerable due to their status as mothers and primary care-givers for the family. Many of them cannot access basic health services during pregnancy or when giving birth, increasing the risk of maternal mortality.
Oxfam applauds the government of Sierra Leone on announcing plans (April 2010) for free healthcare program for pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children under five. We look forward to seeing its results.
Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Thousands of child orphans, who must stay with relatives or friends of the family, further suffer the consequences of this dire situation – one that could be greatly improved if the population had access to healthcare.
Maternal mortality in Sierra Leone
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamMarriamma (39) takes care of Suleiman (3), her sister's child. "I have two of my own children so with Suleiman that makes four. My eldest has gone to live with his grandfather in Kambia, in order to attend secondary school."
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamMohammed Kamara (40) cares for his two sons and his wife's sister's child, Ibrahim Tarawallie (3). "I want my children to grow up to be happy; to be good people, so I try hard to give them what they need, but it's a struggle."
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamIbrahim Kamara (12) is responsible for taking care of Ibrahim Tarawallie (3). "As the eldest I do the cooking and in the evenings we all eat together".
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamMohammed Fofana is the father of Hassan (3 months old). His partner Fadia died during child birth. Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamAminata Koroma (10), center, is responsible for taking care of Salieu Dumbuya (4) and Yameday Dumbuya (7), her uncle's chidren. They live at their auntie's house.
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamIsata Sesay (36) cares for Kadijatu Jemila Kamara (2), her best friend's child. "One day, when she's old enough, I will tell her what happened to her real mother. I keep a framed picture of her mother especially for this day."
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamYabome Elizabeth Mansaray (45) is looking after two of her grandchildren following the death of her daughter during the birth of her third child aged 22.
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamAlieu Conteh (60) looking after his daughter’s (Fatmata Kamara, 35) baby, Latifa Kamara, following her death a short while ago. “I’ve raised six of my own children so Latifa makes seven. Children bring joy and life to a house."
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamSister Ivy Conteh – a sister at the hospital since 2001 (previously in the provinces) heads the Eclampsia ward: “Eclampsia is a major cause of death in pregnancy and still births but it is easily treated if diagnosed early."
Credit: Aubrey Wade/OxfamMargaret Bangura (56) looks after Hassan Fofana (3 months old), her daughter's child, with his father Mohammed Fofana. "Hassan is my 13th grandchild and there are twelve people living in the house in total."