Helping Babies Survive Their First Year

Birth can be the most miraculous event in a mother’s life. But sadly for some, it is the beginning of a long hard struggle just to keep their baby alive. The first year of a baby’s life is the most dangerous, it is when they face the highest chance of death. They are dying from a lack of basic maternal and neonatal care, malnutrition, and infection.

With the right interventions, these deaths are largely preventable.

First Year Africa exists to research, pilot and test such interventions. We focus on rural mother & baby clinics, and freely share our learnings so they can be applied at scale by a wide range of organisations.

PROGRAMME

Mother And Baby Clinics

Our pilot projects support mother and baby clinics in poor, rural areas with limited existing services. These clinics focus on the essentials of:

Childbirth: we provide hygienic birthing units staffed with skilled healthcare workers.

Medical Care: we provide medical support throughout the baby’s first year, including vaccines, treatments, and primary care.

Nutrition: we ensure mother and baby get enough nutrients to avoid stunted growth and dehydration.

These clinics are staffed by local people to ensure a lasting legacy in the region. First Year Africa supports them to run successfully, sustainably, and safely.

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PROGRAMME

Funding and Support

Your contributions play a pivotal role in enhancing maternal and child health within our community. Each donation directly supports essential services and resources, ensuring that pregnant women and new mothers receive the care they need for safe pregnancies and healthy births. By investing in these programs, you're not only improving individual lives but also fostering a healthier, more resilient community for all.

£100

Supports 2 delivery packs for pregnant mothers

£500

Covers 10 delivery packs

£1000

Supports 2 girls and their babies through the entire project

£10000

Supports 20 girls, making a substantial impact on community health.

Your generosity ensures that mothers and their children have access to vital resources, leading to improved health outcomes and strengthened community well-being.

FIRST YEAR AFRICA - Why?

Because we know we can make a difference

A child born in Africa is 10 times more likely to die in the first month of life than a child born in a high-income country—that's 1.2 million known deaths a year. Rates in the poorest countries are comparable to Victorian-era England. Around 250,000 African women are also dying each year, with only 40% of these women having access to a skilled attendant during labour.

Coming into this world and surviving is only the first step towards actually living. Poor conditions mean that 1 in 13 sub-Saharan children will die before they reach the age of 5. Half of those that do survive will struggle with diseases and stunted growth, which will impact them heavily throughout their lives.

It doesn’t have to be this way

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Our history and collaborators

20 years

First Year Africa, formerly Positive Women, has a rich history of nearly 20 years, dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities in Eswatini. Founded in collaboration with the inspiring activist Siphiwe Hlophe, the charity has worked tirelessly to address the pressing challenges faced by women and children in the region. As we enter this exciting new chapter, First Year Africa is sharpening its focus on a critical goal: helping babies survive their first year of life.

In partnership with SWAPOL (Swaziland Positive Living), a trusted grassroots organisation renowned for its impact in rural communities, we are launching targeted initiatives to provide essential maternal, neonatal, and child health support. Together, we aim to create sustainable solutions that empower teenage mothers, strengthen local healthcare, and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive in their first year and beyond.

Let’s make a positive impact together

Every child deserves a chance at life. Every mother deserves the tools to provide it.

Together, we can transform the future for vulnerable communities in Eswatini by giving babies a fighting chance to survive their critical first year.

Your support can save lives, build hope, and create lasting change. Join us today.

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