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Orange SL Foundation and Mama-Pikin Foundation Join Forces to Improve Maternal and Neonatal Health in Underserved Communities


Since December 2020, Orange SL Foundation, in collaboration with the Mama-Pikin Foundation, CAP at Columbia University, and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, has led a transformative maternal and neonatal health initiative in Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable communities.

Backed by funding from Orange SL, this effort addresses the country’s persistent challenge of high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

According to official Government of Sierra Leone data, maternal mortality stood at 717 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019. However, with increased investments and targeted interventions, the figure declined to 354 per 100,000 by 2023 a major improvement, but still among the highest globally.



Many of these deaths remain preventable, often linked to delays in accessing skilled care, poor health infrastructure, and a high rate of home deliveries.

From Pilot to National Impact: Launched in Kossoh Community, the pilot phase of the “Safeguarding Maternal Health Project” focused on holistic care from pregnancy to delivery and postnatal support. Key interventions of Orange and its implementing partner has included:

– Medical screening booths

– Infection prevention and control

– Health education and promotion

– Women’s care linkage

– Provision of baby care kits

After a year, Kossoh recorded a marked reduction in maternal deaths, prompting a full-scale expansion of the project in March 2024.

2020–2024 Achievements:

– Over 12 communities reached across rural and urban districts

– Over 20,000 mothers supported with safe delivery kits

– Introduction of facility-based care incentives to reduce home births

– Strengthened referral systems and improved health center capacities

Delivery Bucket Program: Encouraging Safer Births: The Mama-Pikin Foundation also scaled its impactful Delivery Bucket Program, supplying essential birth kits to pregnant women delivering at health facilities.

Each bucket contains basic hygiene and baby care items that support safe and dignified deliveries. Since early 2024, more than 20,000 delivery buckets have been distributed across targeted communities.

Communities Served Include:

-MMPS Hospital, Masongbo & Panlap CHCs (Makeni)

– Sewafe CHC (Kono), Hangha CHC (Kenema)

– York Village, Grafton, Kossoh Town (Western Area)

– Kailahun, Legbogbor, and Kondembaia (Northern Province)

Public-Private Partnership for National Progress: This initiative underscores the power of public-private partnerships in saving lives. Orange SL Foundation remains deeply committed to supporting national health goals and building healthier futures for Sierra Leonean women and children.

We extend sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mama-Pikin Foundation, and all partners for their continued dedication to this vital cause.



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CEO of Tony Elemelu Foundation Applauds Sierra Leone’s Waste Innovator Mohamed Kamara


The CEO of Tony Elemelu Foundation Soma Chris-Asoluku has applauded Sierra Leone’s Waste Innovator, Mohamed Kamara for his remarkable innovations during his visit at their office where they discuss about opportunities in Sierra Leone for Youths.

Mohamed is 2018 TEF Alumni and a Visionary Founder of the Freetown Innovation Lab, a company based in Sierra Leone tackling waste challenges by recycling plastic into everyday products. One of the Lab remarkable Innovations Includes TV antennas that provide excellent reception for low-income household.

Kamara also led a transformative Workshop at the University of Ibadan Leveraging waste for empowerment on Thursday 20th June 2024.



The workshop was designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, Innovators , and anyone passionate about sustainable development and social impact.

The Freetown Innovation Lab’s tire -to- furniture transformation marks a milestone in sustainable design and waste management, paving the way for a greener future while simultaneously addressing the City’s environmental Challenges





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Orange Foundation Director Recounts Journey With Ebola-Affected Kids


After years of philanthropy, Orange Foundation looks back at how far they have come with the 50 Ebola kids who have been in the care of SOS with welfare support from Orange Foundation in partnership with SOS and Ministry of Social Welfare.

Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) Foundation, led by Jestina Betts, is the company’s humanitarian wing that lends a helping hand to the needy, vulnerable and less privileged in society.

The company has done a lot in caring for children whose parents succumbed to the deadly Ebola Virus which struck Sierra Leone in May, 2014, a virus that left the country ravaged for two years. Sierra Leoneans breathed a sigh of relief in November, 2016 after the virus was declared over by Government but the aftermath of its effect in the country could not go unnoticed as the deadly virus left behind many orphans. Hence Orange SL through its Foundation, in collaboration with SOS, came to the rescue of 50 Ebola kids young as six months old to be placed in the care of SOS Children’s villages across the country.



These children have been sparsely assigned to the various SOS campuses across the country. Makeni campus North of Sierra Leone hosts 18 Ebola kids, Bo campus in the South holds 21 while Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown have 11 making a total of 50.

Orange Foundation takes care of the children’s education by ensuring that they have access to quality schooling and learning opportunities.
The Foundation also caters for the children’s basic needs especially food and medical care until they turn 18.

In addition to basic care, the company also looks after other aspects of the kids’ education, a move that spells a brighter future for the kids since investment in education has no equal anywhere in the world.

With education, the kids after they become well-educated adults can positively contribute to national development when it is time to come on the stage of action.

Having it as a humanitarian obligation, the Foundation authorities often pay visit to the Ebola-affected children to get first-hand information about their well-being.

“…the OSL Foundation frequently pays courtesy visits to the children showing that we genuinely care for their welfare, and are actively involved in ensuring that they are doing well. Additionally, we send donations and hampers every year for the kids,” Jestina Betts informed the press about their valuable donations to the kids.

Such initiatives, Jestina says, showcases the positive impact businesses and organizations have on their communities especially during times of crisis and other life-threatening situations.

OSL’s/OSLF on-going commitment to these children showcases the power of corporate social responsibility and highlights the importance of long- term support in creating lasting positive change,” OSL Foundation Director tells the importance of caring for the vulnerable.

It is heartening to see that OSL Foundation and SOS are not only focused on the kids’ immediate welfare needs but also consider their transition into adulthood and support them during this critical phase of life.

These personal visits have a significant, positive impact on the children as it fosters a sense of belonging and reminds them that they are part of a larger supportive community.

The humanitarian move is a bright and inspiring example of corporate social responsibility and collective effort in making a difference in the lives of those in need.

Orange Foundation deeply appreciates the hard work and commitment of its partner SOS through the Country Director, Madam Sophie Ngong, for providing a safe and friendly home to these orphans.



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