In the heart of our community, a new life begins. It is a journey of hope, of dreams, and of immense strength. Yet, for too many mothers, this journey is shadowed by risk, uncertainty, and preventable dangers.
Recently, CLIPASA and SAMAHE stood together with the mothers of Ndejje Health Center IV in Kampala, Uganda, in a vital outreach dedicated to changing this narrative. Our mission was clear: to walk alongside every antenatal and postnatal mother, providing the education, support, and resources they need to navigate pregnancy and motherhood safely.
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| A Journey of Hope: CLIPASA & SAMAHE’s Stand Against Maternal Mortality at Ndejje Health Center IV |
A Two-Pronged Approach: Caring for Mothers at Every Stage
Led by our President, Dr. Robinah Namulindwa, the outreach engaged two crucial groups of mothers:
The Postnatal Mothers: Ensuring Care Beyond Childbirth
For mothers in the postnatal period, the journey of care is not over. They come for follow-up, often for vaccination, but their needs are a comprehensive package.
“When they come, it's not only for vaccination,” Dr. Namulindwa explained. “If a mother had a tear that was repaired, a midwife needs to know: Is she healed? Does she need more attention?”
Our team sensitized these mothers on the continued importance of vaccination and family planning, opening dialogues about their reproductive health futures. We also addressed critical issues like fistula and any other complications that can arise after the nine months of pregnancy, always focusing on the ultimate goal: the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
The Antenatal Mothers: Guiding a Safe Pregnancy
The second group consisted of pregnant women, including both first-time mothers (primigravidas) and a special focus on elderly primigravidas—mothers over 35 experiencing their first pregnancy.
Dr. Namulindwa sensitized these mothers on the life-saving importance of proper antenatal assessment. She emphasized the eight visits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the potential need for more, depending on the mother's condition.
“We look at factors like breech presentation, a big baby, a previous caesarean section, HIV, anemia, or malaria—anything that can complicate the nine months,” she said. “If antenatal assessment is done well, women are able to live and have healthy babies because midwives are able to rule out anything that can complicate matters during the nine months.”
The session was interactive, addressing specific concerns. When one mother asked, “What is a breech presentation?” it highlighted the crucial need for this education. By dealing with these questions during pregnancy, we empower mothers with knowledge and ensure complications are managed proactively, not reactively.
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| A Journey of Hope: CLIPASA & SAMAHE’s Stand Against Maternal Mortality at Ndejje Health Center IV |
Our Greatest Ally: The Power of Midwives
A key takeaway from the outreach was the invaluable role of midwives. Dr. Namulindwa sees midwives as essential partners.
“I look at these midwives as being crucial to help us on our journey to end maternal mortality,” she stated. “They are willing, really, to give good services. I always believe that doctors, midwives, nurses, and any other health workers, can come to a consensus and look for a solution to maternal mortality.”
Engaging with them, understanding their challenges, and uniting with them in this common goal is fundamental to our strategy.
A Gesture of Support: More Than Just Education
Understanding the holistic needs of the mothers, the outreach concluded with a practical expression of care. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we were able to provide the mothers with a nourishing meal and gifts, including soap and sugar, to offer tangible support during this critical time.
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| A Journey of Hope: CLIPASA & SAMAHE’s Stand Against Maternal Mortality at Ndejje Health Center IV |
This is Our Collective Stand
This outreach was more than a single event; it is a part of our sustained fight to end maternal mortality. It is a demonstration of what is possible when a community comes together to educate, equip, and empower its mothers.
But this fight cannot be won alone.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Your financial support funds essential maternal health programs, from purchasing medical supplies to organizing outreaches.
- Volunteer: Offer your skills in healthcare, counseling, or advocacy to support our mission on the ground.
- Spread Awareness: Share this story. Break the silence on maternal mortality and help us get more people involved.
Together, we can end maternal mortality.
