Skin to Skin Care That Saves Lives Beyond the Hospital

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) continuous skin to skin contact between parent and preterm infant is one of the most effective life saving interventions for premature babies. In Uganda, only 42 percent of eligible preterm infants receive consistent KMC after hospital discharge. This gap is not because KMC doesn’t work. It is because families are left unsupported once they leave the hospital. Key barriers include Limited parent training and confidence Harmful cultural myths and stigma Exclusion of fathers and male caregivers Weak follow up after discharge Lack of basic resources such as wraps privacy and time Without sustained KMC at home, preterm infants face higher risks of hypothermia infection feeding failure re admission and death. This is a systems failure. And babies pay the price. OUR GOAL To make Kangaroo Mother Care the standard of care from birth through the first critical months at home for every preterm infant in Uganda. By 2028 Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda will increase consistent KMC uptake from 42 percent to 85 percent among enrolled families Train 500 plus parents and caregivers as KMC champions and peer mentors Equip all partner health facilities with KMC training tools and wrap supplies Advocate for full integration of KMC into national and district maternal newborn health policies CAMPAIGN PILLARS 1. Awareness and Education Kangaroo Fathers Initiative engaging men through peer groups media and hands on demonstrations Community dialogues to confront myths and normalize KMC Digital education via WhatsApp ,radio and social media in local languages Continuous health worker training to ensure supportive consistent messaging 2. Access and Ongoing Support Free distribution of culturally appropriate KMC wraps for vulnerable families Establishment of KMC Corners private supportive spaces in health facilities and communities 24/7 parent helpline for real time KMC guidance Peer mentor network linking new parents to experienced KMC champions 3. Policy and Systems Change Advocacy for KMC inclusion in national newborn care protocols and training curricula Promotion of KMC friendly facility standards privacy staffing supplies Data tracking of KMC uptake and outcomes using CommCare and DHIS2 4. Community Mobilization Training parents as KMC Ambassadors and visible role models Engagement of faith and cultural leaders as trusted advocates Recognition of families and health workers demonstrating excellence in KMC practice