The Leyaata Ane Project is saving the lives of mothers and newborns at birth in 160 communities in Northern Ghana. As part of this project, women receive “susu” (savings) boxes and training to help them prepare for a safe childbirth.
Judith chose a safe childbirth at a nearby facility for the recent birth of her baby boy.
About four months before the baby arrived, her husband was in an accident and was unable to be at home with her. Despite the unexpected loss of support, she felt she was well-prepared for this birth:
I used the susu box. I contributed on hundred and twenty cedis. The susu box helped me purchase more items as compared to my first delivery. I bought powder, six bars of soap, and pegs to dry the baby’s clothes. If I were to have another baby, I would contribute even more into the susu box so that I could also buy a bed for my baby.
The susu box (to the right of the items) is given to women along with a small savings starter of 10 cedis (about $4). Women are also given a list of about items (about $60 total) that they will need have with them when they give birth at a facility. Then they are encouraged to save to prepare for birth. Judith’s savings allowed her to purchase all of the items pictured here.
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