A world where every woman in sub-Saharan Africa thrives – in body, mind, and community – empowering healthy beginnings for all.

Our Mission

Improving maternal and child health outcomes by making integrated healthcare services accessible to women and children from economically marginalized communities in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Our Values

  • TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE

    We value and respect the understanding that humans come from all walks of life and strive to provide dignified care that is non-triggering, respectful, and promotes autonomy at all times. 

  • INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY for all

    We ensure that our services are easily accessible to all, regardless of physical, mental, and socioeconomic status.

  • COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

    We recognize that we cannot do it alone. We prioritize building local and international partnerships and collaborations with public and private entities, as well as with grassroots movements and those most affected by the challenges we are addressing.

  • LOCALLY-DRIVEN solutions

    We prioritize proximity to the communities that we serve. Our programs are always shaped, implemented, and driven by local stakeholders.

  • EVIDENCE-BASED knowledge and practice

    We are committed to a culture of continuous learning and refinement of the delivery of our programs.

WAJAMAMA stands for WATOTO (children), JAMII (community), MAMA

Our Story

WAJAMAMA was founded by Nafisa Jiddawi, a Zanzibari-American midwife whose lifelong mission is to transform maternal and newborn health.

Growing up in Zanzibar, Nafisa saw preventable illness, loss, and trauma as part of everyday life. These experiences instilled in her a deep conviction that pregnancy and birth should be safe, dignified, and even empowering for every woman.

After years of study and work in the U.S., Nafisa returned often to Zanzibar, where she confronted the reality of preventable maternal deaths and systemic gaps in care. Her vision was shaped both by these painful truths and by witnessing how respectful, high-quality healthcare could change lives.

In 2018, Nafisa and her family returned home to Zanzibar to dedicate their lives to this mission. WAJAMAMA is the result: a movement to ensure that every mother and baby in Zanzibar — and beyond — has the chance to begin life with health and dignity.

WAJAMAMA Clinic is a private medical practice providing high-quality, respectful care for women and families. In addition to serving the community, the clinic also helps support our non-profit organization.

WAJAMAMA is a fiscally sponsored nonprofit organisation.