The mission of the International Trends and Services facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world. Our Safe Motherhood program focused on reducing infant mortality and morbidity in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Mamma kits went to expectant mothers; baby carriers to new mothers; solar-powered flashlights to midwives to assist in the home and night deliveries due to limited or no electricity; and a mobile bike ambulance to transport high-risk mothers from rural areas to the hospital was unparalleled. The program was so transformational that the United Nations credits the investment of non-government stakeholders such as the Greater Wayne County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for the quantum leap in the reduction of maternal deaths.

The passion to improve health conditions grew even stronger for the chapter when it discovered the Hawassa health center water supply was contaminated, impacting its care to mothers, children and the general population. The chapter partnered with Ethiopian organizations and donated close to $75,000 to develop 11 deep water wells to provide a safe water source to improve patient care and the overall quality of life for the community.