About us
Welcome to Maternal Health Africa, where we are dedicated to ensuring that every mother and every baby receive the optimum health outcomes. Our lean, focused medical teams are dedicated to improving outcomes for some of the most remote and difficult cases across the continent.
Our vision
Global maternal equality through life saving and life changing interventions.
Our approach
With regular antenatal screening and checks identifying early potential problematic pregnancy and births leading to interventions to ensure appropriate medical care and support, Maternal Health Africa helps in the most remote communities dealing with the more problematic cases to deliver positive results.
Life Saving
Making immediate and significant improvements to maternal health outcomes, often where standards and resources are such that being pregnant can be a life threatening situation to both mother and unborn child.
Life Changing
Raising standards of healthcare and opportunities for women and children, to make a sustainable change through education, empowerment and working within local communities.
Our Founder
Dr Doug Hawthorn
Founder & Medical Director
Dr Doug Hawthorn leads our team with a compassionate mission to confront the maternal healthcare crises in Africa head-on. Doug’s journey defies convention. Following a successful career in business and industry, he came to medicine later in life. Witnessing the dire aftermath of civil war and Ebola, he resolved to pursue change. Through founding the charity in August 2022, he has pioneered interventions, saving lives and empowering communities. Doug’s focus and leadership remains steadfast: transforming maternal healthcare, one birth at a time, in conjunction with a highly skilled and motivated team.
“In the heart of Africa’s maternal healthcare challenges lies an opportunity for profound transformation. Together, with unwavering dedication and a commitment to compassion, we can rewrite the narrative of maternal health, ensuring every mother welcomes her child into the world with safety, dignity, and hope.”
Our Trustees
Kevin Stephen
Chair
Under Kevin’s leadership as Chair of Maternal Health Africa, the charity benefits from his expertise and oversight in operational management and management of solutions-driven guidance, monitoring and support services. He ensures that Maternal Health Africa operates with transparency, accountability and sustainability at its core. He has a profound commitment to humanitarian causes. As a family man himself, he is dedicated to creating tangible change that improves the lives of mothers and their children across Africa.
“Chairing Maternal Health Africa is a privilege for a cause that truly matters. By aligning strategic thinking with compassionate action, we’re not just changing lives; we’re rewriting the narrative of maternal healthcare in Africa.”
Sandy Petersen
Treasurer
Sandy Petersen, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1982 and over the years, he has worked in various roles within both industry and the accountancy profession. For the past 15 years, he has been the Chief Financial Officer of the TRAC International Group, where he has overseen significant financial growth and stability. Sandy’s commitment to Maternal Health Africa is driven by a deep-seated belief in the charity’s mission to improve maternal healthcare across the continent.
“Being part of Maternal Health Africa allows me to contribute to a cause where the work we do is vital in ensuring that mothers and children receive the care they need.”
Claudette During
Trustee
Claudette brings over two decades of expertise in insurance brokerage, procurement, and investment banking. With a degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies, coupled with an MA in Business Management, she possesses a unique blend of academic insight and practical business acumen.
As CEO of Consolidated Financial Consultants, Claudette demonstrates exceptional leadership, navigating the dynamic financial landscape of Sierra Leone. Her track record includes roles as a Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant at Lloyds Banking Group and Vice President at JP Morgan Chase Bank in the UK.
“I am truly excited to bring my business skills to Maternal Health Africa and to contribute to the vital work of improving maternal health in my home country. My passion for empowering women drives me, and I am committed to using my experience to make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.”
Alistair Anderson
Trustee
Alistair Anderson brings a wealth of experience with a professional legal background spanning over 40 years. His commitment to philanthropy and community service is evident from his previous board role at Sightsavers International, demonstrating his dedication to improving lives and advocating for health and wellbeing on a global scale. He has also advised on and re-drafting the constitutions of further not-for-profit organisations. These roles have allowed him to contribute his strategic planning skills and proven track record in charitable governance.
“I am very pleased to offer my experience to advance our mission. Improving maternal and infant health outcomes in under-resourced regions is something that we all need to support with investment and compassion.”
Dr Claudia Shilumani
Trustee
Dr Claudia Shilumani is a public health expert with 25 years of experience in challenging environments. As Vice President of Partnerships and Impact at VillageReach, she leads efforts in communications, advocacy, partnerships, resource mobilisation and research. Her work focuses on global health equity, having held key roles with South Africa and Sierra Leone governments, the UN, Catholic Relief Services, and the Global Fund. She is committed to mentorship and nurturing African talent. Dr Shilumani holds a DBA from the Paris School of Business and an MPH from the University of Pretoria.
“I believe that every woman deserves the right to a safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth. It is therefore crucial that we can bridge the gap in maternal health services in under-reached areas to ensure a brighter future for our communities.”
Our senior staff
Dr Denis Ssekyanzi
Country Representative, Sierra Leone
Dr Denis studied Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda and then earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Wales. His work mainly focuses on healthcare systems in countries with lower incomes and he is well respected for his expertise in transformational maternal health outcomes. His project management capabilities ensure timely intervention strategies and effective resource allocation. A calm nature and sensitivity to different cultures means he creates a compassionate and empathetic working environment for the team.
Dr Hale Teka
Country Representative, Ethiopia
Dr Hale is a dedicated medical professional with a rich academic background. Having completed his Doctor of Medicine degree at Mekelle University, Ethiopia he pursued a residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the same university and has now been promoted to Associate Professor.
Dr Hale has significantly contributed to the medical field through his research and publications. Notably, his work has featured in renowned journals including The Lancet Global Health. These reflect his commitment to addressing critical maternal and reproductive health issues, as evidenced by his comprehensive studies on neonatal mortality, healthcare providers’ experiences in conflict zones, maternal sepsis, and the impact of war and pandemics on healthcare utilisation.
Charter of Code of Conduct & Commitment
Maternal Health Africa, in alignment with its mission and values, is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct among all its directly employed and contracted staff (hereinafter referred to as staff) and volunteers. This Charter of Conduct & Commitment summarises the organisation’s expectations and commitment from each one of its staff and volunteers.
As representatives of Maternal Health Africa, each staff member and volunteer has pledged to:
1. Uphold the integrity and reputation of Maternal Health Africa by embodying its values and standards both professionally and personally.
2. Treat all individuals with fairness, respect, and dignity, adhering to local laws and customs while operating internationally.
3. Abstain from behaviours that could tarnish Maternal Health Africa’s reputation or impede their ability to carry out their work, including abstaining from alcohol and illegal substances on Maternal Health Africa premises or being in an unfit state from alcohol or drugs while on duty.
4. Refrain from engaging in abusive or exploitative conduct, particularly towards children and vulnerable individuals, including sexual exploitation, commercial exploitation, and physical or emotional abuse.
5. Ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all Maternal Health Africa colleagues and associated personnel by adhering to legal and organisational safety protocols and being vigilant in identifying and mitigating risks.
6. Responsibly utilise information, assets, and resources entrusted to them by Maternal Health Africa, refraining from any misuse or engagement in illegal activities.
7. Avoid conflicts of interest by disclosing any personal, financial, or familial interests that may affect Maternal Health Africa’s operations and abstaining from involvement in decision-making processes where such conflicts arise.
8. Uphold confidentiality by exercising discretion in all official matters and refraining from disclosing sensitive information unless legally mandated.
9. Promptly report any incidents, abuse, or concerns regarding breaches of this Charter to the relevant manager or authority, in adherence to Maternal Health Africa’s reporting policies and procedures.
10. Take pride in their work, always support each other and act with integrity and compassion to ensure that the vital services provided by Maternal Health Africa are the very best they can be.
Maternal Health Africa staff and volunteers are encouraged to report any potential breaches of this Charter to their Line Manager or Country Representative without fear of reprisal. Their complaints or concerns related to breaches of this Charter will be dealt with in accordance with Maternal Health Africa’s Complaints Policy and procedures.
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