MedCity FemFwd Inside Build Health International's new Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone
In this episode of Med City Fem Forward, host Marissa Plescia speaks with Allison Adamson, architect at Build Health International, about the creation of a Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone — a project designed to transform maternal healthcare delivery in one of the world's highest-risk regions for childbirth.
Allison explains how healthcare infrastructure directly impacts patient outcomes, why design choices influence trust and dignity in care, and how global partnerships are addressing preventable maternal mortality. The conversation explores how architecture, community collaboration, and sustainable healthcare systems come together to support women before, during, and after childbirth.
Listeners will gain insight into how thoughtful healthcare design can save lives, empower communities, and reshape global health equity — and why American healthcare stakeholders should pay attention to these efforts.
Links & Resources-
Connect with Marissa Plescia
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Allison Adamson
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Guest Email aadamson@buildhealthinternational.org
Maternal health Global health infrastructure Healthcare architecture Women's health equity Maternal mortality prevention Build Health International Partners In Health Sierra Leone healthcare Global nonprofit healthcare Healthcare design innovation Maternal Center of Excellence Healthcare access Equitable healthcare systems Global public health Hospital design Community-centered healthcare Medical infrastructure development Women's healthcare systems Nonprofit healthcare partnerships Healthcare sustainability
Episode Highlights00:04–00:21 – Introduction to the episode and focus on global women's health infrastructure 00:26–01:15 – Allison Adamson introduces Build Health International and its global mission 01:15–02:44 – Origins of the Maternal Center of Excellence and partnership with Partners In Health 02:44–03:32 – Sierra Leone's healthcare challenges and maternal mortality crisis 02:53–05:26 – Inside the 120-bed maternal facility and range of care services offered 03:32–04:40 – Designing dignity, trust, and comfort into healthcare environments 03:50–04:13 – Mother dormitories supporting families with babies in NICU care 04:13–05:03 – Education spaces and community health engagement within the hospital 05:29–06:50 – Lessons learned from healthcare projects in Haiti and other countries 06:58–08:12 – Community collaboration and clinician input shaping the design process 08:12–08:47 – Partners In Health's operational role in delivering care 09:02–10:42 – Why global healthcare infrastructure matters to American audiences 10:09–10:42 – Repurposing medical equipment to expand global healthcare access 10:50–11:57 – Future projects supporting women's health and healthcare systems worldwide