Kadiatu was 21 when she gave birth to her first child in Sierra Leone. Her baby survived. She did not.
In Episode 1 of Beyond Survival Africa, Dr. Raphia explores why women are still dying from preventable pregnancy and childbirth complications. Through Kadiatu’s story and the Three Delays Model, we examine what can happen between seeking help and receiving lifesaving care.
If we know how to save mothers, why are too many women still dying?
References used for this episode:
- CARE. A birth story from Sierra Leone: “Take my baby, mama. I’m going to die.” CARE. Published 2023. Accessed September 17, 2026.
- Thaddeus S, Maine D. Too far to walk: maternal mortality in context. Soc Sci Med. 1994;38(8):1091-1110. doi:10.1016/0277-9536(94)90226-7.
- World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Population Fund, World Bank Group, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000 to 2020: Estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and UNDESA/Population Division. World Health Organization; 2023.
- Muriithi FG, Ameh CA, Gakuo RW, et al. Variability in the causes and delay factors contributing to maternal mortality: evidence from maternal death surveillance reports of 22 African countries. BJOG. 2026;133(1):106-115. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.18342.
- Global Citizen. What’s behind Rwanda’s decreased maternal mortality rates? Published February 19, 2025. Accessed September 17, 2026.
