Holding outreach antenatal and family planning clinics in isolated settings has been a key way MAMA has reached isolated, deprived communities in Western Uganda. These outreach clinics have been invaluable in developing strong relationships with these communities and their leaders, as precursors to establishing our permanent facilities.
Infection, breathing difficulty or prematurity are just some of the reasons why a baby may need to be transferred to the paediatric ward after birth. MAMA also supports the neonatal services at our partner hospital, Azur Health Centre IV in Hoima town.
Caesarean sections may be required as a result of babies becoming distressed during labour or if labour becomes obstructed due to a small pelvis, large baby or malposition of the baby. It might be indicated electively due to a history of previous Caesarean sections or uterine rupture, or if babies are in certain positions (for example lying sideways across the womb). At MAMA we support our colleagues at Azur Health Centre in performing these operations when needed, whilst remaining mindful to not perform them unnecessarily.
In October our health project addressed pre eclampsia. The project we delivered to 38 health centres across Hoima District and numerous women were educated on the warning signs of PET. Staff were given boxes of emergency medicines and equipment, and some training on how to manage the condition
When a midwife or nurse qualifies and then gets employment, they are expected to work as a ‘volunteer’ for one year to pay back the government for their training. These midwives are only paid 50,000 Ugandan shillings a month (roughly £10).
Sexual health today is widely understood as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality.
The promotion of Family Planning in resource poor settings has been identified as a key factor in the Sustainable Development Goals. Contraception or Family Planning is not only key to reproductive health and life provision, it is a human right.
MAMA believes our midwives should be up to date with their skills and knowledge as midwives. Midwives are frontline in delivering healthcare to women and their families so play an important role in improving pregnancy outcomes.
Access to maternal health care comes up time and time again in many health reports in reducing maternal mortality in a resource poor setting. The population of women accessing Azur Health Centre come from many afar villages, often walking for miles.
Waiting homes are for expectant mothers to come and wait to go into labour in a designated area so they can receive care from a skilled birth attendant at delivery. And MAMA is happy to announce the opening of their maternity waiting homes, the first two in Hoima district.