The Washington Post Highlights PIH’s Maternal Health Work in Sierra Leone

Early on in her pregnancy, 17-year-old Susan Lebbie sought medical care at Partners In Health (PIH)-supported Koidu Government Hospital. After encouragement from a neighbor, she strived to be proactive as possible in seeking care, to avoid the many challenges her loved ones, as well as many other women in Sierra Leone, faced during pregnancy–significant loss of blood and lack of access to affordable resources, to name a couple.

Lebbie’s journey, which led to the birth of a healthy baby boy, was recently featured in The Washington Post. The article, published on May 6, highlights the importance of adequately staffed facilities, such as Koidu Government Hospital, which provide high-quality care in a country where one in 20 women die as a result of pregnancy or childbirth.

Lebbie was well-aware of that risk. Her mother died giving birth to her. But, her own birth experience was successful.

“If Susan had hemorrhaged in surgery, she could have needed up to four units of blood. But the doctor said her C-section had gone “flawlessly.” No transfusion required,” writes Danielle Paquette, The Washington Post’s West Africa bureau chief. “The two obstetrician-gynecologists here, both Partners In Health employees from Uganda, were known for working more than they slept. Susan’s doctor had started his day at 5 a.m. and finished four C-sections before getting to her.”