Banneh Daramy, a Project HOPE newborn consultant, dedicates her energy and expertise to improving health for fellow Sierra Leoneans — saving lives in a country with some of the world’s highest maternal and infant mortality rates.  

The maternal mortality rate is higher in Sierra Leone than anywhere else in the world: One in 17 women won’t survive pregnancy or delivery. The majority of these deaths are a result of preventable causes, exposing a critical lack of information and skilled care. The fact that most of these deaths could have been avoided is a tragedy, but it also means that all hope isn’t lost — that there’s work that can be done to save lives in the future.

Project HOPE introduces Kangaroo Mother Care to new mothers in Sierra Leone, a warming method that simulates the womb and helps premature and low weight babies survive and grow healthy — from fragile to strong.