At Gamjul, we are deeply committed to improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality across The Gambia. We recognize that pregnancy and childbirth, while beautiful and transformative, can carry significant health risks. However, we believe that most maternal deaths are preventable, and we are taking direct action to address the causes through education, outreach, and community support.

Currently, our team is on the ground, actively working with communities to provide the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.

What We’re Doing to Support Maternal Health

Gamjul is hosting a series of community outreach events across The Gambia. We are meeting people where they are—whether in urban centers or rural villages—to provide crucial education and raise awareness about maternal health. These efforts are designed to tackle both the medical and non-medical factors contributing to maternal mortality, with the goal of empowering families and reducing preventable deaths.

Here’s what we are currently doing as part of our Maternal Health Awareness Campaign:

1. Hosting Maternal Health Education SessionsWe are organizing interactive, community-based education sessions that focus on providing essential information about pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. These sessions are hands-on, informative, and open to all community members. During these sessions, we cover topics such as:
   • The importance of prenatal check-ups and accessing healthcare services early in pregnancy.
   • How to recognize early warning signs that might indicate complications.
   • Steps to take in emergency situations during pregnancy or childbirth.
   • Information on available maternal health services in local clinics, hospitals, and health centers.

   Our team of healthcare professionals and trained community volunteers is leading these sessions, ensuring that the information is clear, culturally relevant, and accessible to all.

2. Highlighting Personal Stories from the CommunityOne of the most impactful aspects of our outreach is sharing the real stories of Gambian families who have experienced maternal health challenges. We are giving a platform to community members to talk about how maternal mortality has affected their lives and what can be done to prevent future tragedies. By highlighting these stories, we aim to inspire action and raise awareness about the urgency of addressing maternal health in The Gambia.
3. Bringing in Experts for Deeper InsightsWe have partnered with a leading maternal health expert who is currently traveling with us to speak at each event. Our keynote speaker is offering in-depth presentations on pregnancy education and how better knowledge can directly improve outcomes for mothers and babies. This deeper dive into maternal health is providing valuable insights to families, showing them how understanding the risks and accessing healthcare services can save lives.

Addressing Non-Medical Barriers to Maternal Health

We recognize that many of the factors contributing to maternal deaths in The Gambia are non-medical, such as limited access to healthcare, cultural beliefs, and a lack of awareness about maternal health services. That’s why we are taking a community-centered approach that addresses these challenges head-on.

• Improving Access to Healthcare: We are working with local healthcare providers and traditional birth attendants to ensure that expectant mothers know where and how to access maternal health services. Our team is also helping women navigate transportation challenges by coordinating local resources to ensure they can reach clinics when needed.
• Breaking Down Cultural Barriers: Our outreach efforts include culturally sensitive discussions with community leaders and elders to address social and cultural norms that may discourage women from seeking medical care during pregnancy. By engaging with these leaders, we aim to foster community-wide support for maternal health.
• Strengthening Community Support Systems: We are actively creating support networks for women and families, encouraging community-led initiatives that offer peer support, share vital health information, and build stronger connections between mothers and healthcare providers.

Making a Difference, One Community at a Time

Our work is already making an impact. Community members are gaining a better understanding of maternal health risks, and more women are taking advantage of the maternal health services available to them. Through education, storytelling, and community support, we are helping to build a future where every pregnancy is safer and every mother has the care she needs.

But our work is far from over. We will continue to expand our outreach efforts, visiting more communities and ensuring that no family is left behind in this mission.

Join Us in Our Mission

Maternal health affects every family and every community, and together, we can make a difference. We invite you to be a part of our campaign, attend one of our upcoming events, and help spread the word about the importance of maternal health.

Let’s work together to create a healthier, safer Gambia for all mothers and children.

Stay tuned for more updates on our activities and how you can get involved!