Summary

One Heart Worldwide (OHW) has developed an innovative, effective, culturally acceptable, replicable and sustainable model to reduce preventable deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth among vulnerable populations by raising awareness and teaching good birth practices.

Program goals

OHW's mission is to save the lives of women and infants in need, one birth at the time

Key program components

OHW's model is based on culturally sensitive training and awareness-raising at several different levels

1. At the community/home level

2. With first-level health care providers

3. At relevant referral centers with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of birth attended by a skilled birth attendant, teaching the communities and health providers to appropriately recognize and deal with obstetric emergencies, and ultimately, reduce the maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

OHW integrates local resources, collaborating with local communities and providers, and respects cultural norms and practices. OHW uses a community-based participatory approach and works in collaboration with local communities and local health providers to raise awareness, teach good birthing practices, and distribute Clean and Safe Birth Kits to ensure that mothers and babies survive delivery and the first months of life and put an end to easily preventable birth-related infant and maternal deaths. OHW’s goal has always been to ensure that the majority of their program staff and volunteers are locals, training their fellow colleagues and community members.