Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, leaving a void in families, communities, and societies (WHO). These deaths are preventable, yet they disproportionately impact vulnerable women whose needs are often overlooked. In response to this solvable crisis, the Every Pregnancy (For Mama movement), a groundbreaking global initiative that mobilizing communities, faith-based philanthropies, and charitable organizations across North America and the United Kingdom to ensure no mother or child is left behind.
As a dedicated partner in the EP Movement, Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) is committed to addressing the staggering global maternal health crisis, where every two minutes, a woman dies from preventable complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. With 94% of maternal deaths occurring in low and lower middle-income countries and a global shortage of nearly one million midwives, HiHFAD joins this coalition of over 37 NGO partners to extend life-saving interventions and support. By working collaboratively to safeguard mothers and newborns—the irreplaceable foundation of every community—HiHFAD embodies the campaign’s mission to combat maternal mortality and ensure that vulnerable women worldwide have the chance to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in Crisis-Affected Syria
In the heart of conflict-affected North Central Syria, the For Mama movement stands as a beacon of hope, addressing critical healthcare and nutritional needs for vulnerable women and children. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD), exemplifies resilience, collaboration, and innovation in humanitarian aid
A Lifeline for Women and Children
At the forefront of this effort is the Tal Abyad Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, which serves as an indispensable hub for healthcare in the region. Operating in collaboration with Turkish and local health authorities, the hospital provides:
- Outpatient and Inpatient Care: Comprehensive maternal and child health services, including antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), safe deliveries, pediatric consultations, and critical neonatal care.
- Specialized Support: Pediatric units equipped with incubators for low-weight infants and newborns requiring urgent care, and gynecological services catering to complex maternal health needs.
- Nutrition Interventions: Essential supplies like Plumpy’Nut, ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), and supplementary nutrition are distributed to combat malnutrition among children and nursing mothers.
This dual approach to healthcare and nutrition not only saves lives but fosters resilience within these underserved communities
Notable Achievements
- Impactful Outreach: As of Dec 31, 2024, over 1,164 mothers and 8,232 children under five benefitted from critical nutrition support across northwest of Syria.
- Capacity Enhancement: The hospital now conducts approximately 4,500 consultations monthly, supports 150 deliveries, and provides 24/7 pediatric and gynecological care.
- Sustainability: The campaign integrates long-term nutritional management strategies, including screening and treating malnutrition cases under the CMAM program.
Challenges Overcome
Operating in a conflict zone brings unique challenges: Geographical Isolation: Coordination with Turkish authorities, such as the Urfa Health Directorate, ensures continuous access for HiHFAD’s operational and health teams.
Human Resource Scarcity: HiHFAD has successfully secured pediatric and gynecological specialists to maintain high-quality, round-the-clock care.
These solutions exemplify the movement’s adaptability and dedication to overcoming obstacles in delivering life-saving interventions.
Advocacy and Communication: Amplifying the Message
The For Mama movement extends beyond healthcare delivery, leveraging strategic advocacy and communication to magnify its impact. Key efforts include:
- Engaging robustly on local and regional platforms to coordinate resources and policies.
- Delivering targeted social media engagement to highlight the campaign’s objectives and successes.
- Raising global awareness about the ongoing Syrian crisis and the pressing need for maternal and child healthcare.
The program’s structure demonstrates scalability, with a robust foundation that can be adapted to other regions facing similar challenges. With proper staffing, technical training, and community engagement, the model of Tal Abyad Hospital and its nutritional interventions could effectively transform healthcare access across underserved areas worldwide.
The For Mama Fund has positioned HiHFAD and its beneficiaries for long-term success. Strategic partnerships with international donors, faith communities, and Muslim philanthropic groups have bolstered the organization’s credibility and resources. Meanwhile, digital fundraising campaigns continue to secure sustainable support for future initiatives. By addressing immediate needs while building local capacities, HiHFAD is not only saving lives but empowering communities to reclaim their futures. The For Mama movement is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets innovation, proving that even in the direst circumstances, hope can flourish.
