Since 2014, the unprecedented and waning Ebola virus disease outbreak has captured the world’s attention and has affected several West African countries, especially Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The nature of the crisis has highlighted the importance of a coordinated ‘multicountry cross-border’ approach to build an effective response. 

UNFPA has pioneered such regional cooperation in the design of the Mano River Midwifery Response (MRMR) initiative. Implemented in close consultation with the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat, this flagship initiative aimed at establishing the basis for a strong and resilient health system that would continue to provide essential maternal and reproductive health services even during crisis.

The MRMR received utmost attention and timely support from the Government of Japan, a strong advocate and supporter of maternal health in humanitarian settings and the initiator of the “Womenomics” concept, which looks at economic empowerment of women as a pillar of human security.

This “1000s of lives saved during Ebola outbreak” photobook is presenting some results of this lifesaving collaboration between UNFPA, the governments of the three former Ebola countries, the MRU Secretariat, and the Government of Japan.