Empowering Maasai Women for Safer Motherhood and Healthier Communities
Mission
To empower Maasai women with knowledge and resources that promote better health practices, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and improve access to healthcare services, ensuring long-term well-being for women and their families.
Vision
A future where Maasai women are informed, empowered, and equipped to make decisions that positively impact their health, leading to healthier communities with lower maternal and infant mortality rates, reduced risks from home deliveries, and resilience in the face of health challenges like COVID-19.
ABOUT US
The Maasai Women Health Organization (MWHO) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Maasai women and their families by addressing critical challenges in maternal and neonatal healthcare. We focus on educating communities about the risks of home deliveries and the importance of seeking skilled medical care during childbirth. Through community outreach programs, we empower women with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health. MWHO emphasizes cultural sensitivity while introducing modern healthcare practices, ensuring a holistic approach that respects traditional values while prioritizing safety and well-being.
A cornerstone of our work is collaborating with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), who hold a vital role in Maasai communities. MWHO provides TBAs with training in hygiene, sterilization, and recognizing complications during childbirth, enabling them to act as advocates for safe pregnancy and delivery practices. By bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern medicine, we foster partnerships between TBAs, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring that women receive comprehensive and culturally respectful care. Our mission is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates while building healthier, more empowered communities.

WHAT WE DO

Education About Home Deliveries
MWHO educates women and their families about the dangers of delivering at home without skilled medical assistance, including complications like:
- Severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage).
- Infections due to unsterile conditions.
- Prolonged or obstructed labor.
- Neonatal asphyxia or stillbirth.
Women are informed of the benefits of delivering in healthcare facilities where emergency services, medications, and trained professionals are available.

Encouraging Facility-Based Deliveries
MWHO conducts outreach programs to promote the importance of antenatal care (ANC) visits and delivery in hospitals or health centers.
Provides transportation support to pregnant women in remote areas to ensure they can reach health facilities when labor begins.
Offers counseling sessions to demystify misconceptions about hospital deliveries, addressing fears or cultural resistance.

Birth Preparedness
Educating women and families about the importance of preparing for childbirth, including saving money, identifying transportation, and planning for emergencies.
Ensuring women understand danger signs during pregnancy and labor that require immediate medical attention, such as severe headaches, high fever, or prolonged labor.
STORIES
CONTACT US
- Engaruka, Ngorongoro, Arusha
- +255 745 734400
- maawomenhealth@gmail.com