Advancing Maternal Health Globally: Project DIAMOND

October 30, 2025

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Five people in casual clothing with boxes of medical supplies

Anjan Saha, MD, PhD (right) with Nathalie Rivas, PGY-1 in the Department of Anesthesiology (third from left) and Sierra Leone hospital leadership 

Members of the Department of Anesthesiology are helping lead Project DIAMOND (Delivery of Infrastructural Advancements for Maternal Outcomes through National Development), an initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality in low-resource settings. The project was launched by Dr. Anjan Saha and is supported by F.L.I.G.H.T. (Foundation for the Localization and Innovation of Global Health Technologies), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by Dr. Saha during his CA-1 year: “F.L.I.G.H.T. was born from a collective motivation to address chronically evident resource gaps that plague lower-income communities worldwide.”

Global Reach

Two men in suits and one woman in traditional dress posing for camera

Dr. Anjan Saha with Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health for the Government of Sierra Leone, and Josephine Garnem, Executive Director for the Healey International Relief Foundation. The three attended a meeting at the UN General Assembly focused on reducing maternal mortality in Sierra Leone. 

To date, Project DIAMOND has facilitated the delivery of medications and supplies valued at ~$2 million WAC to Sierra Leone, where for every 100,000 live births, 354 mothers die. The initiative focuses on increasing access to essential consumables like uterotonics, antibiotics, and antihypertensives.

The work has earned recognition from the Kybele International Outreach Award (2023) and led to an invitation to a UN General Assembly satellite meeting with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby.

Why It Matters

  • Maternal mortality leads to an estimated $30 billion in lost economic productivity.
  • According to the WHO, every $1 invested in maternal and newborn health can yield $9–$20 in economic development.
  • Partnerships between academic departments and NGOs are increasingly vital as traditional funding sources shrink.

Department Impact

Members of the Columbia Anesthesiology community have key roles:

  • Dr. Richard Raker, associate professor and global health advocate, has advised Dr. Saha since his intern year and will serve on F.L.I.G.H.T.’s board.
  • Dr. Nathalie Rivas, PGY-1, was instrumental in coordinating the first major supply drop of antibiotics and antihypertensives after completing her sub-i. She continues to support the project’s long-term sustainability.

Join the Effort

Columbia Anesthesiology is uniquely positioned to expand its global health footprint through Project DIAMOND. Interested faculty, trainees, and staff are encouraged to get involved.

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