International Maternal Care Initiative
A world where every mother and child thrives, supported by a caring and compassionate community
Learn MoreOUR wORK
Our goal is to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, improve health outcomes, support mothers, and promote healthy behaviors for mothers in underserved communities.
Research & Evidence-Based Strategies
Conduct ongoing research to understandhealth issues in underserved communities and develop evidence-based strategies toimprove health outcomes.
Prenatal & Postnatal Care
Focus on mental health advocacy as a part of prenataland postnatal care for mothers to ensure their emotional well-being
Emotional & Physical Support
Pair parents with trained doulas to provide emotionaland physical support throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Create support groups formothers by using maternal mentorship.
Breastfeeding Advocay & Training
Advocate for breastfeeding and provide trainingto mothers on breastfeeding and bonding with their newborns.
Access To Quality care
Facilitate access to quality healthcare and establish referralsystems for mothers and children in need.
Collaboration & Sustainability
Collaborate with community partners, healthcareproviders, and stakeholders to ensure services are effective, sustainable, and responsive tocommunity needs.
IMCI FOCUS GOALS
According to data collected from the MDH in 2022 it showed “ Black Minnesotans represent 13% of the birthing population but made up 23% of pregnancy-associated deaths, and American Indian Minnesotans represent 2% of the birthing population, but 8% of pregnancy-associated deaths.” IMCI will focus on finding ways that can reduce some of the maternal and child mortality rates in the marginalized community. How would we do this ( advocacy for more pregnancy screening, pre/postnatal care by finding and connecting them to their needed services, educating women on pregnancy care and birthing, educational interventions on vaccine hesitancy for children
- Increase the rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration
- Increase enrollment of more culturally appropriate doulas and community health worker certification programs
Founder Story
Ifrah Ahmed, MPH
Tackling Disparities in Maternal Health
Ifrah Ahmed is a passionate public health advocate, behavior analyst in training, and founder of the International Maternal Care Initiative (IMCI).
As a Somali-American woman who grew up in an underserved community, Ifrah witnessed firsthand the deep disparities in maternal and infant health care—especially for women of color, refugees, and immigrants.
These experiences ignited her lifelong commitment to ensuring that no mother is left behind due to systemic barriers, cultural disconnects, or lack of support.
With a Master's in Public Health and a background in psychology and applied behavior analysis, Ifrah blends community-based approaches with evidence-based strategies to reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for marginalized families. Through IMCI, she leads efforts to provide culturally responsive maternal care, peer mentorship, and advocacy, centering the lived experiences and strengths of the women she serves. Her mission is clear: to create a world where every mother, regardless of race or background, has access to safe, dignified, and informed care.
Our mission
Empowering and advocating for mothers and children by connecting them toessential health care services, providing education, and support through the pregnancy,ensuring they have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Read the story
Income Sources & Parternships
Grants & Donations
IMCI Seeks grants from foundations, government agencies, and individual donations aligned with our mission
Corporate Parternships
IMCI Collaborates with corporations that are committed to supporting maternal and child health and well-being.
Fundraising Events
Organize fundraising events, such as galas, charity runs, or online crowdfunding campaigns.
Meberships & Sponsorship
Establish a membership program wheresupporters can contribute regularly. Seek sponsorships from businesses for specificprograms
What our Clients say
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Blog posts
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Maternal & Child Health Resources
Maternal & Child Health Resources in Minnesota https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/womenshealth/maternalcare.html Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative Infant mortality is defined as the death of an infant before age one. In 2022, 290 infants born...
Maternal & Child Health Resources
Maternal & Child Health Resources in Minnesota https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/womenshealth/maternalcare.html Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative Infant mortality is defined as the death of an infant before age one. In 2022, 290 infants born...
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Hearing the Call and Building a Nonprofit
At Dartmouth, Ahmed revisited healthcare challenges in sub-Saharan Africa through a different lens while on a trip to Rwanda with Geisel faculty and other members of her cohort. “Rwanda had a...
Hearing the Call and Building a Nonprofit
At Dartmouth, Ahmed revisited healthcare challenges in sub-Saharan Africa through a different lens while on a trip to Rwanda with Geisel faculty and other members of her cohort. “Rwanda had a...
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Tackling Disparities in Maternal Health
When she was nine, Ifrah Ahmed MPH ’23 became a midwife’s assistant. The job was just as informal as the maternal health clinic itself; the midwife was Ahmed’s mother, and the...
Tackling Disparities in Maternal Health
When she was nine, Ifrah Ahmed MPH ’23 became a midwife’s assistant. The job was just as informal as the maternal health clinic itself; the midwife was Ahmed’s mother, and the...
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