John Green helped fund Sierra Leone maternity centre; 13 babies born in 24 hours
A new maternity center in Sierra Leone, funded by authors John and Hank Green, successfully delivered 13 babies in its first 24 hours of operation. The facility aims to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in the region.
Why it matters
It highlights the impact of private philanthropy on global health infrastructure in underserved regions.
When a new maternity centre opened in Sierra Leone in February 2026, its first day brought a striking measure of demand for care: 27 patients arrived and 13 babies were born within 24 hours. The facility, supported by bestselling author John Green, his brother Hank Green and their families and supporters, was built to expand access to specialised maternal and newborn healthcare in a country that continues to face serious challenges in preventing deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.The Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence opened to patients on February 14, 2026, on the campus of Koidu Government Hospital in Kono District. According to Partners In Health (PIH), the nonprofit organisation supporting the project, seven of the 13 babies born during the centre’s first 24 hours were delivered by caesarean section, while six were born vaginally.
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