Birthing Kits - providing a clean and safe birth

On March 10, 2023, Uganda Australia Christian Outreach (UACO) launched the "In-Country Kit Production — Uganda" Program, a pivotal initiative in advancing maternal health in Uganda.Despite a brief initial delay, the project successfully assembled 20,000 Clean Birth Kits (CBKs) by the end of the year. The project's first quarter engaged five women, exemplified by stories of empowerment such as Sharon Nakazibwe, a dedicated stay-at-home mother, and Nammujju Harriet, a midwife ensuring clean assembly practices. Subsequently, the team expanded to include seven women in the second quarter, including Nalukenge Chitsu and Kyelutichi Matrin.
The project encountered challenges in procuring plastic sheets, causing a two-and-a-half-week delay. However, the team's perseverance prevailed as the sheets were eventually delivered,ensuring the project's successful continuation. By December, UACO effectively distributed 20,000 Clean Birth Kits to various partners, strategically targeting vulnerable mothers and healthcare facilities through a network of organisations.
The initiative not only achieved its primary goal of kit assembly but also empowered young women, positively influencing their lives and families. The collaborative efforts of the team andcommunity partnerships resulted in remarkable achievements. UACO expresses sinceregratitude to all contributors and emphasises its commitment to sustaining efforts for improved maternal health and well-being in the community.
Key Achievements:
1. Successful assembly of 20,000 Clean Birth Kits.
2. Empowerment of seven young women through employment and skills development.
3. Delivery of 20,000 Clean Birth Kits to BKFA partners, targeting vulnerable mothers and healthcare facilities.
7,000 CBKs to within their own network of healthcare centres and directly to women inv arious communities
2,500 CBKs through Egoli Africa
2,000 CBKs through the Rotary Club of Makindye
800 CBKs through Think Humanity
3,500 CBKs through Love Mercy Australia
200 pilot CBKs through Kyampisi Children Ministries (this partner was recommended by Peder Pedersen)
3,700 CBKs through Partners in Community Social Action (PICSA)
300 CBKs through Ourganda Health Outreach
Future Recommendations:
1. Continued collaboration with Birthing Kit Foundation Australia (BKFA) to ensure timely andefficient procurement.
2. Expansion of the project to reach more women and communities.
3. Ongoing efforts to empower women through employment and education.
4. Sustained support for maternal health initiatives in the community.
UACO remains dedicated to its mission of improving maternal health and expresses gratitude toall stakeholders for their invaluable contributions. The report concludes with a plea forcontinued support from BKFA to address urgent needs, emphasising the critical importance ofpreserving the well-being of mothers in challenging circumstances.