In 2025, Bread and Water for Africa® provided support for healthcare programs at 70 medical facilities and mobile clinic operations in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, serving more than 114,000 individuals – many infants and young children and expectant and breastfeeding mothers.
In Sierra Leone, working with our partners there, we shipped medical supplies and mobility aids, provided medicine for distribution to health centers in remote villages – including micronutrient vitamins for expectant mothers – and specialized care for children under five and their mothers.
Among our partners working with us in the country is Rural Youth Development Organization-Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL).
Joseph Kobba, the program director for RYDO-SL, told us how the support is making such a huge difference in the country – all thanks to the support from MAP International and Bread and Water for Africa®.
Every day, numerous individuals from remote communities travel to their local health centers, where they receive vital treatment made possible by the generous donations of medical supplies and medicines facilitated by RYDO. The following two impact stories shed light on the transformative care and unwavering support that are making a significant difference in the lives of people in Sierra Leone.
From Struggle to Strength: Mariama's Journey to Healthy Motherhood
In the rural farming community of Nyolema, 28-year-old Mariama Karmara lives with her husband and child. She is a subsistence farmer relying on seasonal harvests to support her household.
However, during her second pregnancy, she experienced severe weakness, loss of appetite, and swelling of her feet.
Her family’s limited income made it difficult to prioritize healthcare, and the nearest health facility, Kpetema Maternal Community Health Post (MCHP), is approximately four miles from her village.
Despite the long distance and poor road conditions, Mariama made the difficult decision to seek care after encouragement from a community health volunteer.
Upon arrival at Kpetema MCHP, she was warmly received by Nurse Lucy Korku, who conducted a thorough antenatal assessment and identified signs of nutritional deficiency.
Nurse Korku counseled Mariama on maternal nutrition. She administered multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women, supplied through RYDO-SL, with support from Bread and Water for Africa® in conjunction with MAP International.
She also emphasized the importance of regular antenatal visits and adherence to the supplements.
“Before coming to the clinic, I was afraid I would lose my baby. I had no strength to work or even cook,” Mariama recalled.
“After taking the supplements, I started feeling stronger. My appetite returned, and my body felt alive again.”
With consistent follow-up and continued supplementation, Mariama completed her pregnancy successfully and delivered to a healthy baby girl without complications.
Today, she speaks proudly about her experience and encourages other women to attend antenatal care early.
“RYDO-SL and their partners gave me more than medicine; they gave me hope. I thank Bread and Water for Africa® and MAP International for remembering women like us in the villages.” Mariama said.
Restored Dignity: The Power of Accessible Health Care
A 39-year-old Joshua Harding is a married father of four living in the rural community of Kawaya Village, who earns a living through small-scale farming and daily labor, supporting his family on a modest and unstable income.
For many years, Joshua lived with epilepsy, experiencing sudden seizures that disrupted his work, exposed him to stigma, and placed emotional and financial strain on his household.
The nearest health facility to his village, the Bumpe Community Health Centre (CHC), is approximately six miles away, but due to transportation challenges and limited finances, Joshua relied on traditional remedies that offered no improvement.
Then one day, after a severe seizure that left him weak for several days, his family decided to seek medical help.
At the Bumpe CHC, Joshua was attended to by Nurse Alfreda, who conducted a careful assessment and explained epilepsy as a manageable medical condition.
She provided counseling, educated the family on seizure management, and enrolled Joshua in antiepileptic medication supplied through RYDO-SL, with support from Bread and Water for Africa® in conjunction with MAP International.
“For a long time, I lived in fear and shame because of my illness,” Joshua shared.
“The nurse treated me with respect and gave me hope that my life could return to normal.”
With consistent treatment and follow-up, Joshua’s seizures significantly reduced in September 2025, allowing him to return to farming and family life.
His confidence improved, and the fear that once controlled his movements gradually disappeared.
“This support has restored my strength and dignity,” Joshua said.
“I sincerely thank RYDO-SL, Bread and Water for Africa®, and MAP International for bringing lifesaving medicines to rural communities.”
Joshua’s story highlights the transformative impact of accessible epilepsy care and compassionate health services, proving that with the proper support, individuals living with epilepsy can lead productive and dignified lives.
At Bread and Water for Africa®, we celebrate how generosity from compassionate donors, exceptional partner organizations, and devoted community members work hand in hand every day to create meaningful change. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of those we serve!
