Women and Children First
Non-profit OrganizationsEngland, United Kingdom2-10 Employees
Based in London, England, Women and Children First was a small nonprofit organization focused on improving health outcomes for women, children, and young people in rural and remote communities. It aimed to empower local women to lead health initiatives, bringing together men and women to identify problems and develop sustainable solutions. Its work included forming women's health groups and implementing practical ideas such as bicycle ambulances, mosquito nets, and clean water initiatives to prevent illness and death. Over about 25 years, the organization reported substantial health gains, including a 33% decrease in newborn deaths and a 49% reduction in maternal deaths, saving thousands of lives. The charity closed in March 2025; in 2023 Beth Silver was appointed chief executive, and it had partnered with organizations such as MSI Reproductive Choices and Kemri Wellcome to test and develop community health group models.