Shine a light on Maternal Mortality!!

In Sierra Leone, a place that has been described as the worst place to be a pregnant woman, countless women lose their lives every year bringing life into the world. Her Name Was Annie Sanu: The Face of Sierra Leone's Maternal Mortality is more than just a book, it’s a voice for the voiceless, a call to action, and a tribute to the women we’ve lost through pregnancy and childbirth.

I’m Fatima Babih, an advocate for girls' and women’s empowerment in Africa. Through my lived experiences and work with the African Women’s Research Initiative for Social Empowerment (African Women’s R.I.S.E.), I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of maternal mortality on families and communities. This book tells the story of Annie Sanu, but it also tells the story of thousands of women whose lives were cut short due to inadequate healthcare, poverty, and systemic neglect.

A vibrant and loving mother Annie Sanu, tragically lost her life due to medical negligence, leaving behind her husband and three small children. In Sierra Leone, where there is no malpractice accountability, her family received no compensation for their loss. They are left to deal with heavy emotional distress and great economic burden.

Why Your Support Matters

I am launching this book to raise awareness, spark conversations about maternal mortality, and push for change. But to do that, I need your help. Your donation will:

Fund the publication and distribution of the book, making it accessible to communities, advocacy groups, and policymakers.
Support local awareness campaigns in Sierra Leone and other West African countries to educate communities about maternal health rights and services.
Contribute to the Annie Sanu Legacy Trust for her children’s education and welfare. A chance to build the future Annie envisioned for her children and family.

Join the Movement

By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping launch a book, you’re standing with Annie’s children and countless other families affected by maternal mortality. Let’s turn their pain into purpose and their struggles into a catalyst for change.

Ways to Support

Donate: Every contribution brings us closer to the launch.
Share: Spread the word on social media and within your networks.
Join the Launch Event: Be part of our virtual or in-person (in Freetown, Sierra Leone only) launch celebration (details to come!).

Donor Benefits

$35 Donation: A personalized thank-you message, and an e-book copy of the book.
$50 Donation: A signed paperback copy of the book.
$100 Donation: A signed copy of the book & Your name listed in the book’s acknowledgments as Ally for Safe Motherhood.
$250 Donation: A signed paperback copy of the book plus a special invitation to an exclusive Q&A online session with the author and the widower.

Let’s break the silence on maternal mortality. Let’s honor Annie Sanu and all the women we have lost and protect others’ lives by raising awareness.

Let’s give Annie’s children a better chance at life and a brighter future.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With Gratitude,
Dr. Fatima Babih
Author, Advocate, Founder & CEO
African Women’s R.I.S.E.

Book Launch Fundraiser: Help Bring Annie Sanu’s Story to the World!

By African Women's Research Initiative for Social Empowerment

Book Launch Fundraiser: Help Bring Annie Sanu’s Story to the World!

A Mother’s Life Lost, A Legacy to Protect Others!