Mother Health International Incorporated

Mother Health International Incorporated is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes in regions with high mortality rates. Founded in 2007, the organization focuses on creating sustainable, community-oriented healthcare solutions.

Mission and Model

The mission of Mother Health International is built around the midwifery model of care. This approach emphasizes collaborative work among traditional midwives, community health workers, nurse midwives, and doctors to provide comprehensive maternal healthcare services. By combining traditional practices with Western medical skills, Mother Health International seeks to reduce barriers to quality care and address the three delays in accessing healthcare: recognizing the need for care, accessing healthcare facilities, and receiving adequate treatment once at the facility[1][2].

Programs and Impact

Mother Health International implements several key programs:

• Earth Birth Centers: These are locally managed maternity centers that offer prenatal care, labor support, postpartum care, and community health education. Notably, the Ot Nywal Me Kuc birth center in Northern Uganda is a model example of sustainability, being solar-powered and self-sufficient[2].
• Mobile Midwives Program: This initiative sends midwives into rural areas to provide regular prenatal care, ensuring that mothers and their babies receive necessary health checks and interventions before complications arise[2].
• Education and Training: Mother Health International offers training for birth workers through innovative educational programs that include partnerships with renowned midwifery education institutions[1].

The organization has shown significant success in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. For instance, in Northern Uganda, where the neonatal mortality rate is typically 54 per 1,000 births, the Ot Nywal Me Kuc birth center has consistently reported a rate of 11 per 1,000 births. Additionally, in nearly 20,000 deliveries, Mother Health International has not lost a single mother[1].

Global Presence

Mother Health International operates in several countries, including Uganda and Sudan, where it has served over 17,500 women with prenatal care and postpartum support[4]. MHI also established a presence in Haiti, particularly after the 2010 earthquake, with the Soley Lavi Birth Center providing comprehensive maternal health services[2].

Sustainability and Cultural Competence

The organization emphasizes cultural and environmental sustainability by working with local leadership and utilizing renewable resources. This approach ensures that healthcare services are culturally sensitive and accessible, contributing to long-term community health improvements[2].