Since Djeneba Traore’s close friend died in childbirth in 2004, Djeneba had been trying to find a way to help reduce maternal mortality. Mrs. Cisse Binta Toure died from postpartum hemorrhage after delivering her second child. Binta was not poor nor did she live in the rural areas of Mali. Even so, she lost her life due to something that could have been prevented. Many Malian women die in childbirth for lack of adequate blood supplies. Maternal mortality is a serious and difficult problem in many developing countries.

We received small grant from MaliWatch. Working with Aissata Traore, Ismael Thera and an association of students, we set up a blood bank in the maternity ward of Le Centre de Sante de Reference de San. San is a typical city in Mali with approximately 68,078 residents according to the 2009 census. Djeneba’s family originally comes from San.

We purchased and installed a refrigerator to hold healthy blood supply for women needing a transfusion during and after childbirth. The blood bank was inaugurated in 2009. A blood drive took place at the hospital to encourage blood donation for continued supply to the bank and to raise awareness. Blood donors were be given either a sandwich or money as a token of thanks for the gift of life.

Participants and partners included:
Association Espoir Jeunesse Ressortissant de San, an association of students and recent graduates from San.
Mme Thera Aissata Traore – Project lead and Honorary President of the Association Espoir Jeunesse Ressortissant de San (EJRS)
Le Centre de Sante de Reference de San
Djeneba Traore – co-project manager
Janet Goldner – co-project manager
Ismael Thera – project manager