Born Into

Babies born too soon are often born invisible to health systems, policy, and public concern. Born prematurely herself, Doris Mollel is the founder of the Doris Mollel Foundation and has made it her life’s mission to support mothers and babies who begin their journey too soon. She discusses the stigma surrounding prematurity, her foundation’s neonatal care projects, and how better policy—and compassion—save lives. Learn more about the Doris Mollel Foundation: https://www.dorismollelfoundatio...

When doctors are few and time is everything, predicting risk can mean the difference between life and death. Dr. Aqil Jaigirdar, founder of the Maternal Aid Association (MAA Global), shares how his team is building digital tools—like Gravida—to predict and prevent complications during pregnancy. From tackling limited doctor-to-patient ratios to using AI and community networks, he outlines a pragmatic path toward safer births across Bangladesh and beyond. Learn more about MAA Global here: htt...

Around the world, the color of your skin can still determine whether you survive childbirth. Sandra Igwe, Founder of The Motherhood Group, speaks candidly about her own traumatic birth experience and how it led her to campaign for Black maternal health. She shares what the data show—Black women are 3.7 times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth—and how collective advocacy is shifting policy and perception. Learn more about The Motherhood Group here: https://themotherhoodgroup.or...

Access to basic medicines shouldn’t depend on your postcode, but for millions, it still does. Emmanuel Akpakwu, founder of Axmed, is reimagining the pharmaceutical supply chain to make high-quality medicines affordable for mothers and children. He explains how his social enterprise uses technology to aggregate demand, cut 350% mark-ups, and return profits to strengthen local health systems. Learn more about Axmed here: https://axmed.com/ Follow Axmed on IG: https://www.instagram.com/axm...

A simple, one-dollar tool is changing how postpartum hemorrhage is detected and treated, saving mothers’ lives in minutes. From Karachi to Islamabad, Dr. Sidrah Nausheen, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Aga Khan University, is leading lifesaving innovations in one of South Asia’s highest-risk maternal health settings. In this episode, she shares the personal story that shaped her purpose and the breakthrough “EMOTIVE” bundle she helped design—a simple, evidence-ba...

Maternal deaths are not accidents; they are failures of systems, leadership, and accountability. Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, reflects on decades of advocacy for respectful maternity care and health-system accountability. From WASH standards in Nigerian hospitals to community midwives, she highlights why good governance and compassion must go hand in hand. Follow Her Excellency Toyin Saraki on IG: https://www.instagram.com/toyinsaraki/ Learn more...

Explore how we can make every pregnancy safe with host Isra Chaker, Syrian-American mother, activist, and CEO of Every Pregnancy. Born Into highlights the thinkers, scientists, and advocates driving change in maternal health worldwide. Subscribe to join the movement and never miss an episode.