The Need

There is a long-standing saying in Africa: ‘A pregnant woman has one foot in the grave.’ It reflects the tragic reality that pregnancy and childbirth remain dangerous where modern obstetrical care is limited. - Dr. George Mulcaire-Jones

Nowhere is the global maternal health crisis more evident than in Nigeria. Nigeria has the highest number of maternal deaths in the world. Nearly one in three maternal deaths globally occurs in Nigeria, where approximately 75,000 women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

The Team

In Southeast Nigeria, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (IHM) operate and help staff eight rural maternal health centers, connected to a specialist referral hospital. These centers assist 400–600 births each year and provide the most trusted source of prenatal care and safe delivery services in their communities.

Catholic World Mission, in partnership with the IHM Sisters, is launching the Safe Passages Quality Care Collaborative to strengthen maternal and newborn care across this network of health facilities. More than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable when skilled birth attendants have the tools and training needed to recognize complications early and respond quickly.

The Solution

Equipping even one rural maternity center with these bundles can improve care for thousands of mothers and newborns over time—saving lives and strengthening families for generations.

Safe Birth Monitoring Bundle: $380 per unit, 3 needed per clinic

Critical Newborn Care Bundle: $1500

Maternal Emergency Rescue Bundle: $2500

Newborn Rescue Bundle: $3500

Safe Passages Ultrasound Care Bundle: $7000