By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Foundation Sierra Leone and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the rehabilitation of the York Peripheral Health Unit (PHU) maternity ward. The initiative forms part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal, newborn deaths and improve access to quality pre- and postnatal care. The signing ceremony was held at the Orange Foundation Office on Hill Station in Freetown.

In her welcome address, Director of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, Annie Wonnie-Katta, described the partnership as a major milestone in strengthening maternal healthcare. She noted that the collaboration builds on a journey that began in 2019 when the Orange Foundation launched community-based interventions to support maternal and child health.

“Today we stand in partnership with our corporate sister, UBA Foundation, to ensure that every woman in our communities has access to safe, dignified and high-quality health services,” she said, stressing that the MoU represents a concrete commitment to creating a safer environment for mothers and newborns.

Madam Leeann Rizk, Country Director of Mama Pikin Foundation the implementing partner of the Safeguarding Maternal Health Project described the initiative as life-changing. She explained that many families still face fear and risk during pregnancy, making such partnerships critical.

She highlighted the delivery bucket and transport support programme, which provides essential items and transport assistance to women delivering at eight supported clinics across six districts. Each bucket contains hygiene materials to prevent infection. “At just $10 per mother, this support has helped over 20,000 women choose safe facility deliveries instead of home births,” she noted.

Madam Leeann Rizk also spoke about the ‘Belleh Uman Bato Group’(BBG) launched in 2023, a peer support platform for pregnant and lactating women, midwives, nurses and traditional birth attendants. The groups provide health education, financial guidance and emotional support, while strengthening collaboration between communities and skilled health workers. She emphasized that the programme has rebuilt trust in clinics and increased early care-seeking behavior. “Together, we are changing the story of maternal health in Sierra Leone,” she concluded.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aicha Toure, described the MoU as part of Orange Foundation’s long-standing commitment to maternal health. She noted that Sierra Leone’s Maternal Mortality Ratio declined from 370 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 354 in 2023, while long-term figures show a reduction from 1,682 in 2000 about a 79 percent improvement.

She disclosed that safe deliveries supported by the project rose from 2,312 in 2023 to 2,748 in 2025, while 1,900 delivery buckets were distributed in 2025 alone. Ninety-six BBG groups were supported across eight health centres including York, Grey Bush, Hanga, Yengema, Masongbo, Lengekoro, Kondembaia and Panlap.

“These interventions have reduced dangerous home deliveries, improved maternal and child health outcomes,” she said, explaining that the decision to rehabilitate York PHU followed a 2025 assessment that revealed infrastructure gaps. She commended UBA Foundation for aligning with Orange Foundation’s vision, adding that the project will transform York into a model community for maternal care.

Managing Director of UBA Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, said the partnership would strengthen health infrastructure while advancing digital inclusion. He outlined that the renovation will include refurbishment of maternity and postnatal rooms, new roofing, tiling, painting and provision of equipment such as oxygen resuscitating machines.

“This collaboration underscores our belief that the private sector must play a proactive role in sustainable development,” he stated, adding that the upgrades would bring immediate, life-changing benefits to women and newborns.

He noted that UBA Foundation, established in 2004, focuses on education, empowerment, environment and special projects, and that maternal health remains central to community resilience.

Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, commended both institutions, stating that Sierra Leone has recorded one of the fastest declines in maternal mortality globally. He recalled that the country was once known for the world’s highest maternal deaths but has made steady progress through deliberate policies and partnerships.

“The last mile is the hardest. Now is the time we need everyone, especially the private sector, to join hands with Government to achieve zero preventable maternal and child deaths,” he said.

Dr. Austin Demby stressed that buildings alone do not save lives; rather, a complete system of skilled health workers, equipment, medicines and compassionate care is required. He highlighted the importance of antenatal visits in detecting risks such as hypertension and diabetes early, ensuring safer deliveries.

He urged communities to take ownership of the renovated facility, noting that even the best clinic will fail without public trust and utilization. The Ministry, he assured, would provide personnel and technical support to guarantee quality services at York PHU.

The rehabilitation of the York PHU maternity ward is expected to commence soon, with both Foundations expressing confidence that the project will significantly improve maternal health outcomes and serve as a model for future corporate partnerships in Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-uba-foundations-sign-mou-to-rehabilitate-york-phu-maternity-ward/