About us
About Us
Help a Mother and Newborn Initiative (HMNI) is a women/youth-run and non-profit organization committed to improving the reproductive, maternal, and newborn health outcomes and reducing deaths in Liberia and beyond through sustainable and evidence-based interventions.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women, adolescents, and families with essential knowledge, resources, and access to comprehensive healthcare services, thereby reducing maternal and newborn mortality and promoting overall well-being.
Our Vision
We envision a society where every woman, adolescent, and newborn receives quality healthcare, education, and support to thrive and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Our Objectives
Improve access to essential reproductive and maternal health care and resources for women, adolescents, and newborns
Create an enabling environment that prioritizes individuals' rights, privacy, and dignity to ensure access to quality and comprehensive Reproductive & Maternal Health Care services
Increase awareness and education on sexual, reproductive and maternal health issues among women, adolescents and families
Address the barriers that women and adolescents face in accessing reproductive and maternal health services
Our History and Key Achievements
HMNI began as a social impact project in 2021, founded by two young women inspired to improve the Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn health outcomes in Liberia and beyond. Their motivation came from witnessing the stark difference between maternal and newborn health in Switzerland during a three-month internship through the Bowier Trust Foundation. HMNI focuses on awareness, advocacy, and capacity building to address the challenges faced by women and adolescents, including limited access to information and resources, transportation barriers, and cultural norms that hinder healthcare-seeking behavior.
As our impact grew, so did the need for sustainable funding to expand our work across the country. This led to the transition from the "Help a Mother and Newborn in Liberia" Project to the registered non-profit organization, Help a Mother and Newborn Initiative (HMNI), in 2023.
Key Achievements
Since our inception, we have made significant strides in improving Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health outcomes in Liberia. Our key achievements include:
Equipping 75+ Maternal and Child Health care providers with knowledge and resources through Training and Mentorship.
Supplying essential Maternal and Newborn Health drugs and equipment to 15 public health facilities in Margibi County through advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.
Empowering 2000+ less fortunate women and adolescents with knowledge and resources for informed health decisions through our various interventions.
How We Work
We work collaborately with local stakeholders and other organizations to improve the Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health outcomes in Liberia.
Our Approach Our comprehensive strategy integrates three core pillars:
Awareness: We inform women, adolescents, and families about reproductive, maternal, and newborn health. We believe that Targeted Campaigns, education, and community engagement foster smart choices, healthier practices, and informed care.
Advocacy: We champion policy shifts and investment in maternal and newborn health. Engaging authorities and stakeholders, we amplify voices for better policies, resources, and improved healthcare systems.
Capacity Building: We train healthcare providers, adolescents, and volunteers. Empowered with knowledge, they offer quality care, make informed choices, and drive change in their communities.
From Inspiration to Impact: Unveiling Our Journey so far
Discover the heartwarming story behind Help a Mother and Newborn Initiative (HMNI) in our captivating project documentary. Delve into the story of our passionate co-founders, the hurdles they overcame, and the remarkable impact we've achieved. Together, we're creating a healthier future for mothers, newborns, and communities. Watch our project documentary now and be part of the change!
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Women, Adolescents, and Newborn
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Maternal & Newborn Care Providers
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Health Facilities & Schools
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Communities
OUR TEAM
Our team is a dedicated group of passionate and committed young people who are driven by a common purpose.
Lela Precious Dolo
Co-Founder/Executive Director
Bernice Maima Kromah
Co-Founder/Assistant Director
Julian T. Tucker
Chief Financial Officer
Agnes Nagbe
Administrative Director
William Moses Lawrence
Program Director
Chris C. Meinwipia
Communications Director
Nulee J. Garteh
Content Creator
Folley J. Sombai
Program Officer
Wonda Allision
Program Officer
Deddeh Morris
Program Officer
OUR Board of Directors
Each member of our Board brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our organization, guiding us toward a brighter future for mothers, newborns, and communities in Liberia.
Delou Gonsan-Zeo
Deputy Program Director, International Rescue Committee
Liberia
Dr. Richard J. Doe, BSc, MD, MPH (Epid), MSC (HEPM)
Ministry of Health
Liberia
Varlee Alieu Sannor
Founder & President, Center for Integrated Solution (CIS)
United States of America
Mbalu Jusu
Program Coordinator, Medica Liberia
Liberia
Veronica Siafa
Deputy Director, Family Health Program-Ministry of Health
Liberia
Dr. Peter Werder
CEO, Obwalden Cantonal Hospital
Switzerland
Join Our Team
HMNI is looking for young, dynamic, and hard-working individuals dedicated to improving the reproductive, maternal, and newborn health outcomes and reducing deaths in Liberia and beyond.
OUR PARTNERS/SPONSORS
