Gbongay Maternity Unit, Pejeh Chiefdom

Sierra Leone has almost the highest infant mortality rate in the world, at 154.43 deaths per 1,000 live births, second only to Angola, at 180.21 deaths per 1,000. In 2007, Sierra Leone had the worst rate of under 5 years child mortality (262/1,000) – this had improved by 2009, but the country was still the 5th worst at 192/1,000. The UK infant mortality rate is 4.91/1,000.

Currently there are no maternity facilities in Pejeh Chiefdom, and very little medical care of any kind. We are seeking funding to build a small Maternity Unit in Gbongay village, which will act as a centre for all women in the chiefdom. This will be built next to the new children’s clinic that has recently been completed, so medical equipment and staff can be shared between both units.

This project will greatly improve the health and wellbeing of all pregnant mothers and help to reduce the high infant mortality rate in the villages.