By Ruth Nakalembe | Livelihood officer
This report highlights the activities, achievements, and impact of the Saving Lives at Birth project in Kawempe and Kamuli during the quarter from February to April 2024. Building on previous successes, we focused on strengthening antenatal care (ANC) services, enhancing community engagement through Family Care Groups, and increasing male involvement in supporting maternal health.
Key Activities and Achievements:
1. Antenatal Care (ANC) Services and Counseling:
Throughout this quarter, a total of 49 pregnant mothers accessed ANC services at our clinics. Of these:14 were new attendees. 35 were returning mothers for follow-up care.
These mothers received comprehensive services, including nutritional supplementation, prenatal counseling, and early detection of high-risk pregnancies. Counseling sessions covered topics such as healthy pregnancy practices, birth preparedness, and newborn care.
2. Male Involvement and Support:
This quarter saw a significant increase in the involvement of husbands in the maternal care process. Out of the 49 pregnant mothers, 11 were accompanied by their husbands during their ANC visits. These men participated in counseling sessions, demonstrating a shift towards shared responsibility for maternal health and well-being. Male participation focused on supporting their spouses emotionally and financially, fostering a more supportive environment for expectant mothers.
3. Impact of Family Care Groups:
Family Care Groups (FCGs) continued to play a crucial role in providing peer support and counseling to pregnant women and their families. During this quarter:3 Family Care Groups were established, bringing together 50 households.
Each group conducted bi-weekly meetings, focusing on maternal health education, nutrition, and the importance of attending ANC sessions.
Through the FCGs, we observed improved health-seeking behaviors and increased adherence to ANC schedules. Participants reported a better understanding of pregnancy care, safe delivery practices, and newborn care.
Outcomes:
Improved ANC Attendance:
The integration of FCGs and enhanced male participation resulted in a 1% increase in ANC visits compared to the previous quarter. Pregnant women reported feeling more confident and supported, leading to consistent attendance and timely medical care.
Community Awareness:
The continuous outreach activities through Family Care Groups and community dialogues have fostered greater community awareness about maternal and neonatal health. The active involvement of community members has helped dispel myths, reduce stigma, and encourage health-seeking behaviors among pregnant women.
Strengthened Family Dynamics:
The inclusion of husbands in ANC counseling sessions has positively impacted family dynamics. Men have taken more proactive roles in supporting their wives during pregnancy, leading to better communication and shared decision-making in the household.
Lessons learnt:
While male involvement has increased, some cultural barriers persist, requiring continuous sensitization to ensure sustained participation.
Conclusion:
The activities and initiatives undertaken this quarter have led to notable improvements in maternal health outcomes, strengthened family support systems, and enhanced community engagement. Moving forward, the project will focus on expanding Family Care Groups, increasing male involvement, and addressing the barriers hindering consistent participation in ANC services.
By Harriet Babikako | project leader
By Ruth Nakalembe | Livelihood officer
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