Caring for
Mothers,
empowering
Communities
Iftiinka Hooyada – The Mother’s Light is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal and child health in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. We work alongside hospitals, healthcare providers, and communities to strengthen care for mothers and newborns through community-driven solutions.
Across the Somali Region, healthcare providers work tirelessly to support mothers and newborns in settings where resources are often limited and the need is immense. Too many families face childbirth without adequate support, essential equipment, or access to consistent, respectful care. By strengthening hospitals and investing in community-driven solutions, we can help ensure safer births and healthier beginnings for every mother and child.
This work is rooted in lived experience. After first visiting the Somali Region in 2019 and later returning to complete an administrative residency in Ethiopia, our founder witnessed both the resilience of communities and the gaps that place mothers and newborns at risk. Navigating the health system firsthand made it clear that sustainable, community-centered solutions were urgently needed.
Lighting the path to safer motherhood and healthier futures
Iftiinka Hooyada – The Mother’s Light was founded to address critical gaps in maternal and child health across the Somali Region of Ethiopia through sustainable solutions rooted in culture, dignity, and community partnership.
To improve maternal and child health in the Somali Region of Ethiopia by addressing disparities through sustainable, community-driven solutions. We strengthen hospitals by providing essential medical supplies, hospital-based doula care, and community health support. By empowering both healthcare providers and families, we aim to build a resilient healthcare system where every mother and child receives compassionate, high-quality, and patient-centered care.
A thriving healthcare system in the Somali Region where every mother and child has access to safe care. A future where providers have the tools and training they need, communities are empowered to take an active role in their health, and barriers to care are eliminated. Through innovation, education, and trusted partnerships, we are building a world where mothers feel supported and empowered, childbirth is guided by high-quality, compassionate care, and children have the opportunity to grow and thrive in health, dignity, and hope.
OUR KEY Initiatives
At Iftiinka Hooyada our work focuses on strengthening maternal and child health through sustainable, hospital-based and community-centered solutions. We bring our mission to life through three core Essential Medical Equipment & Supply Support designed to support mothers, equip healthcare providers, and build long-term capacity within the Somali Region.
Maternal Support Program
We train and employ doulas across the Somali Region to work directly within hospitals. These doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and educational support to mothers before, during.
Medical equipment & essential supplies
Hospitals cannot save lives without the tools needed to do so. We address critical shortages by supplying healthcare facilities with essential equipment such as delivery beds, incubators, oxygen.
Global health internship program
Inspired by the founder’s own journey navigating barriers to global health work, this program creates a clear and accessible pathway for students and early-career professionals interested in global.
get involved
volunteer with us
Volunteers play an important role in helping advance our mission. Whether you are a student, healthcare professional, or community member, there are opportunities to support our work.
partner with us
We collaborate with hospitals, universities, nonprofits, and community organizations.
make your donation
Your contribution supports medical equipment, doula training, and community education.
Iftiinka Hooyada is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.