África Viva Fundación

Maternal and child health in Africa

África Viva Fundación is a Spanish nongovernmental organization established on June 21, 1995. It works to improve maternal and child health in African regions where poverty limits equitable development. The foundation is based in Barcelona.

Areas of work

• Maternal and child health care: services for mothers and children, which the foundation considers one of the strongest investments in Africa's future.
• Training: preparing local health-care workers to strengthen long-term health-system independence.
• Research: supporting scientific studies aimed at improving health conditions in developing countries.
• Public awareness: sharing information and increasing public understanding of realities in African countries.

History and projects

The foundation's first project took place in Arusha, Tanzania, in 1996, with support from the country's Ministry of Health's medical research institute. Health specialists from East and West Africa met to establish principles for ethics in health research. In 1997, the foundation shifted its focus to child nutrition rehabilitation in Manhiça, Mozambique, and expanded projects to Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. It maintained work in all four countries through 2020, then concentrated its efforts in Sierra Leone in response to maternal and child-health needs, seeking to reduce one of the world's highest maternal and newborn mortality rates.

Leadership and organization

The foundation's board of trustees, made up of professionals and academics, oversees its work and mission. Eulalia Alsina is president and Francisco Tusquets i Trías de Bes is secretary. Trustees include Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Clara Menéndez Santos, Núria Casamitjana Badia, Maite de Aranzábal Agudo, Josep Maria Prat Puig, and Nekane Arana Aguirre. Victòria Fumadó is director general; Maria Coraci Nunes Moreira is project director and deputy director. The scientific committee includes Anna Cirera Viladot and Jean François Saint Sauveur. The advisory committee includes Isabel Ferrer, Itziar Belil, Joan Miquel Torras, Sonsoles Llorens, Mariona Vancells, and Marta Seró.

Partners and funding

The foundation is supported by members, donors, and funding organizations. Sponsors listed include Anesvad, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, Catalonia's Agency for Development Cooperation, Fundación “la Caixa,” Fundación María Francisca de Roviralta, Fundación Ordesa, Zanini Auto Group, FC Barcelona Foundation, Cáritas, and Fundación Probitas. Ways to contribute include donations, membership, and charitable events.

Location and contact

Address: 6 Calle de Luis Antúnez, 08006 Barcelona.

Phone: +34 93 416 13 45.

Email: info@africaviva.es.