An overstretched team saved Abak's life
Abak survived because, when she reached Tonj Civil Hospital after three days in labour, a trained team was ready to act. Dr Mathiang performed an emergency caesarean section, supported by an anaesthetist and skilled midwives who cared for Abak and her twins afterwards.
But too many mothers never receive that chance.
“What keeps me here is really Amref trying to move day and night to make sure that when I enter this theatre… I can see and operate… and the possibility to save life is better than [me] not being here.”
More mothers need the chance Abak had
Across South Sudan, women often go into labour without antenatal care, a trained midwife or access to emergency obstetric services when complications arise. Long journeys, limited resources and a shortage of specialist maternity staff mean that preventable complications too often become fatal.
By supporting the training of doctors and midwives and strengthening maternity services, you could help more mothers receive the skilled care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
Every mother deserves the chance Abak had. With your support, more women can have a trained team beside them when they need it most.
Credits
- Dr Mathiang Agany holding Abak Majok's newborn twins in the maternity ward at Tonj Civil Hospital, South Sudan.
- £24 box - Abak Majok with her newborn twins.
- £59 box - Achan (Becky) Buong, a midwifery student, being embraced by senior midwives who mentored her at the Maridi Hospital, South Sudan.
- Dr Mathiang Agany (left) and Anaesthetist Isaiah Thuch (right) performing surgery.
All images (c) Amref Health Africa / Wesley Koskei
Frequently Asked Questions
Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international health development organisation. Every year we work in around 40 countries to improve people’s access to primary healthcare to bring about lasting health change in Africa. Every year, we reach an average of 20 million people across these countries.
We begin by listening to communities, designing our programmes and finding solutions in partnership with them. We look at the barriers that stand in the way of people accessing health services and address them holistically. Our programmes are people-centred, evidence-based, and sustainable. And because we are Africa-led - with decades-strong, trusting relationships with communities and decision-makers across the continent - we are able to go further, reaching more people. Together, we are creating lasting health change.
Like Amref’s other country offices, we raise money for our work from generous gifts from people like you, including donations, legacies and fundraising to support lasting health change across Africa.
We also receive funding from organisations, including our corporate partners and charitable trusts and foundations. Find out more about how your donations are spent by reading our impact report.
We are committed to using your gifts wisely. 85% of every pound raised goes directly to programme costs. Your donation will support our many community-led and people-driven programmes across Africa, and the vital work behind them. A small but essential part is used to support the wider organisation and raise future funds – ensuring that your gift has long-term impact. To find out more about how your donations are spent read our impact report.
From protecting infants against deadly diseases, to supporting people who have experienced sexual or gender-based violence, it is our promise to you that we are honest, accurate and transparent in how we work. Find out more about our Fundraising Promise to you.
Please make your gift payable to ‘Amref Health Africa’ and post it to Amref Health Africa, Canopi, 82 Tanner Street, London SE1 3GN – Thank you!
To make a donation over the phone, please call Yohanah, our Fundraising Administrator, on 020 7269 5520 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday – Thank you for your generosity!
Thank you for your interest. You can visit our South Sudan information page. Read more about our work in South Sudan to tackle the health challenges South Sudan faces and the community-led approach to bring health services to people.
We're happy to help with any queries you may have. You can contact us anytime using this form.
Other ways to contact us include:
- Email Yohanah via info@amrefuk.org
- Call us on 020 7269 5520 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday
- Send a letter: Amref, Canopi, 82 Tanner Street, London, SE1 3GN
We'd love to hear from you.