UBA Foundation and Orange Foundation Partner to Boost Maternal Healthcare
By Hassan Osman Kargbo
UBA Foundation and Orange Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen maternal healthcare, digital inclusion, and community health infrastructure across Sierra Leone. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 3 February, in Freetown, marking a new phase of collaboration between the two corporate institutions in support of national health priorities.
Under the MoU, the first joint intervention will be the complete renovation of the York Peripheral Health Unit maternity clinic. The project aims to improve service delivery for pregnant women and newborns by providing a safer and more functional environment for maternal care at the community level. The partners say the renovation will also integrate digital tools to support record keeping and health monitoring.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Austin Demby, praised the initiative and described health as a national priority. He stressed that reducing maternal mortality requires strong public private partnerships and sustained investment in frontline health facilities. Dr Demby thanked both UBA and Orange for taking a practical step toward the goal of zero maternal deaths in Sierra Leone.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to social impact beyond financial services. He noted that access to basic technology and improved health facilities can make the difference between life and death for mothers and infants. According to him, UBA Foundation remains focused on building healthier communities and supporting national development efforts.
Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Aïcha Touré, described the collaboration as strategic and timely. She said UBA Foundation’s long standing work in education, empowerment, and sustainability aligns closely with Orange Foundation’s core pillars. Touré added that combining resources and expertise will help deliver meaningful and lasting impact in the health sector.
The event brought together senior government officials, executives from both organizations, development partners, and members of the media. Their presence underscored the importance of collective action in addressing persistent health challenges.
Maternal mortality remains a major concern in Sierra Leone, particularly in underserved communities. Initiatives such as the York PHU maternity clinic renovation are expected to improve access to quality care, strengthen trust in the health system, and contribute to better outcomes for mothers and newborns nationwide.
Both foundations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding similar projects nationwide through innovation, accountability, and community engagement.
