From a Small Seed to National Scale

Big change often starts small. In 2022 we partnered with Project Peanut Butter(PPB) to start a maternal mental health pilot in Pujehun Sierra Leone. The goal was to better understand how supporting women’s mental health could strengthen outcomes for their children.

The results were clear and compelling. Research showed that women who received a locally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention experienced significant improvements in mental health. The evidence reinforced what we’ve long believed: when women are supported, entire families and communities are strengthened.

With these findings, PPB applied for the Action for Women’s Health global open call and was awarded $5 million to expand our maternal mental health program throughout Sierra Leone. Out of more than 4,000 organizations from 119 countries, PPB was selected as one of just 80+ awardees, affirming the power of locally driven, evidence-based solutions.

We are so excited to see the expansion of this program. A small pilot became proof. Proof became funding. And funding will now help thousands more women access the care they need, creating ripple effects for children, families, and future generations.

Thank you to our donors who made this possible!