Support 225 adolescent mothers to thrive in Uganda

In many vulnerable communities in Mayuge district, young mothers face pregnancy and motherhood without the knowledge, nutrition, or support needed to keep themselves and their babies healthy. Limited access to maternal health information, poor feeding practices, malnutrition, low uptake of antenatal care, and emotional distress after childbirth continue to put mothers and children at risk.

To address these challenges, Act4Africa implemented the Healthy Beginnings Project, a community-based initiative focused on improving maternal, new born, and child health through life-saving education, nutrition support, psychosocial care, and empowerment for young mothers.

Over a period of seven months, the project identified and supported 55 pregnant and lactating mothers through practical training sessions on antenatal care, safe delivery, new born care, nutrition, breastfeeding, family planning, stress management, and self-care. Community volunteers and project staff were also trained to ensure continued support within the communities.

The impact was transformative.

Mothers who previously avoided antenatal care began attending health facilities and preparing for safer deliveries. By the end of the project, 88.9% of pregnant mothers delivered healthy babies in health facilities. Mothers gained practical nutrition knowledge, leading to healthier feeding practices for their children. Eight malnourished babies recovered from moderate acute malnutrition after receiving nutrition support and guidance on affordable nutritious meals.

The project also restored dignity and hope among vulnerable mothers. 3 mothers experiencing emotional trauma after losing babies received psychosocial support through home visits and counselling. Lactating mothers struggling with breastfeeding received one-on-one guidance that helped them continue breastfeeding successfully.

Beyond health, the project empowered women economically. Mothers who previously depended entirely on others started income-generating activities such as tailoring and poultry farming, improving household resilience and stability.

One mother, Tracy, shared how the project transformed her life:

“I learned how to feed my children properly on nutritious food as compared to earlier on when I used to feed them on cold left-over food. More to that, I had for a long time kept my sewing machine waiting to accumulate capital to start a business. At Act4Africa, I learnt that I could make money even in the comfort of my home. The day I placed it on the veranda, I started getting clients, and getting some income. This way, I reduced on depending on entirely my husband. Today, I contribute to my family’s wellbeing and feel confident as a mother, thanks to the life changing knowledge I got from Act4Africa”.

The Healthy Beginnings Project demonstrates that when mothers are equipped with knowledge, care, and support, entire families and communities thrive. We are thankful to you our dear supporters who from time to time have enabled us reach out, rebuild, restore the lives of young mothers and children.