Who are we
Maternal Aid for Mothers in Africa (MAMA CBO) is a grassroots organization based in Orus, Tiaty East, Baringo County, Kenya. We work to reduce maternal and child mortality through community-led healthcare, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods.
Founded in 2017 by Winnie Kiprotich, a communications expert, and her mother Janet, a seasoned midwife, MAMA was born from a deeply personal experience. What began as a response to that crisis has grown into a transformative movement for maternal and child health justice.
In 2023, with the help of our partner Altro Foundation, we constructed the solar-powered MAMA Maternity and Wellness Center, now averaging 200 safe deliveries annually, with some days recording up to four births. The center serves over 10 remote villages within an 80–100 km radius, providing access to skilled care where none existed before.
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Our Vision
Our vision is to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Africa through education and empowerment. We envision a world where there are no marginalized communities since all people, regardless of their physical location, have access to quality and safe health services and are economically empowered.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women and girls at childbearing age with maternal and child health information to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths in Africa.
FAQs
What is MAMA CBO and what does it stand for?
MAMA CBO (Maternal Aid for Mothers in Africa Community-Based Organization) is a grassroots, Kenyan nonprofit founded in 2017 to improve maternal and child health in marginalized and rural communities. We believe no woman should face childbirth unprepared or unsupported, least of all because of poverty, geography, or lack of infrastructure.
Who founded MAMA CBO and why?
MAMA CBO was co-founded by Winnie Chelagat, a communications expert, and her mother, Janet, a retired midwife, with close to 40 years of experience and service. What began as a deeply personal response to a high-risk pregnancy has grown into a transformative movement for maternal and child health justice in Kenya’s most underserved regions.
Where is the MAMA CBO center located?
Our pilot project is in Orus, Tiaty East Subcounty, Baringo County — a semi-arid, nomadic area with some of the country’s highest maternal and infant mortality rates. Many women here walk 50–80 km in harsh terrain to access healthcare, and skilled birth attendance is under 65%.
How does MAMA CBO collaborate with the community?
Constructed through community mobilization with support from the Altro Foundation, the MAMA Maternity and Wellness Centre is a solar-powered facility serving more than 10 remote villages within an 80–100 km radius. Since inception, it has supported over 200 safe deliveries, providing lifesaving care where alternatives are scarce. With only one delivery bed and limited resources, the centre is under pressure but remains a lifeline for mothers and newborns.
What is the goal of the MAMA Maternity and Wellness Center?
The center, which was constructed in 2023 with support from the Altro Foundation, currently handles an average of 200 safe deliveries annually. The organization’s goal is to expand its capacity to 500 annual deliveries and build a fully equipped referral center to serve the community more effectively.
How does MAMA CBO ensure its projects are sustainable?
MAMA CBO strengthens community capacity by:
- Training Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in respectful maternity care, safe delivery practices, and early referral.
- Partnering with the Tiaty East Subcounty Health Office and organizations other partners for training, research, and sustainability.
- Delivering continuous health education to women, men, and youth to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- Empowering communities with WASH programs and livelihood initiatives that build resilience.
How can someone support MAMA CBO?
We integrate sustainability into our model through initiatives like the MAMA Honey Project, a beekeeping and honey-processing program that trains women and youth in modern apiculture. This creates household income, supports nutrition, and reinvests profits back into maternal care.
What are Mama CBO's Current Needs?
We are actively fundraising to:
- Expand and equip the MAMA Maternity & Wellness Centre with more beds, delivery equipment, and patient facilities.
- Provide emergency transport solutions so mothers in labor can access timely care.
- Invest in continuous training and capacity building for CHPs, TBAs, and local health providers.
- Improve infrastructure to handle the growing demand for safe deliveries and maternal care.
How to Support
You can walk with us by contributing medical equipment, supporting mother-and-baby care packs, or partnering with us to expand maternal and child health access in Tiaty and beyond.
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