Maternal & Newborn Health

Understanding Preterm Birth

Preterm birth interrupts critical stages of fetal growth increasing the risk of breathing difficulties infections feeding challenges and long term developmental complications. The earlier a baby is born the higher the risk.

For mothers preterm birth is often linked to infections chronic medical conditions high stress levels and delayed access to quality prenatal care. Addressing these risks early is essential.

Our Key Areas of Prevention Support

1. Prenatal Education and Awareness

We equip families with practical information that supports early action. Our work focuses on:

• Promoting early and regular prenatal care
• Educating mothers and families about modifiable risk factors including nutrition infections substance use and stress
• Supporting early recognition of preterm labor signs such as regular contractions pelvic pressure lower back pain and changes in vaginal discharge

Early knowledge leads to early care seeking.

2. Lifestyle and Nutritional Support

Healthy pregnancies are supported by everyday choices and accessible guidance. PIPNU provides:

• Nutrition education adapted to locally available foods rich in essential nutrients
• Guidance on healthy weight management before and during pregnancy
• Stress reduction support through peer groups counseling and community engagement

These interventions are designed to be realistic and culturally appropriate.

3. Medical Screening and Referral Support

For families at higher risk early screening and referral are critical. We support:

• Identification of mothers who may benefit from cervical length screening
• Referral for progesterone therapy where clinically indicated
• Screening and timely treatment of infections associated with preterm labor

PIPNU works in collaboration with healthcare providers and does not replace clinical care.

4. Support for Mothers With Chronic Conditions

Managing chronic health conditions reduces preventable complications. Our approach includes:

• Encouraging early diagnosis and consistent management of conditions such as hypertension diabetes anemia and thyroid disorders
• Supporting medication adherence and safe treatment practices through education and follow up

5. Psychosocial and Community Based Support

Emotional and social support play a critical role in pregnancy outcomes. We strengthen families through:

• Parent support groups led by trained peer mentors with lived experience of preterm birth
• Home based education and follow up through community health workers and Village Kangaroo Ambassadors
• Partner and family engagement to promote shared responsibility for maternal health

Community support improves trust continuity of care and early referral.

6. Digital Health Support

Technology helps bridge gaps in access to care. Through digital tools such as CommCare Connect we support mothers to:

• Track appointments symptoms and basic health indicators
• Receive reminders and alerts for danger signs
• Access remote guidance when in person care is delayed

Digital tools complement existing health services and strengthen follow up.

Call to Action

Preventing preterm birth requires shared responsibility.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy:

• Attend prenatal care early and consistently
• Discuss risk factors openly with a healthcare provider
• Seek care immediately when warning signs appear
• Engage with community and family support programs

Together we can reduce preventable preterm births and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Objectives of Our Awareness Drives

Our community outreach activities aim to:

• Increase understanding of preterm birth, pregnancy complications, and prevention strategies
• Promote early and consistent antenatal and postnatal care
• Encourage meaningful male involvement in maternal and newborn health
• Reduce stigma, fear, and isolation experienced by families with preterm infants
• Link communities to available health services, referrals, and support networks

Core Awareness Activities

1. Community Meetings and Door-to-Door Outreach

We conduct health education sessions in villages, places of worship, schools, and community centers to reach families where they live.

Activities include:

• Community dialogues led by trained facilitators
• Door-to-door visits by Village Kangaroo Ambassadors to share information and identify at-risk mothers
• Engagement of local leaders to strengthen trust, participation, and sustainability

2. Radio and Television Engagement

Mass media remains a powerful tool for reaching wide and diverse audiences. Our media outreach includes:

• Educational programs on local radio and television stations in local languages
• Interactive call-in sessions featuring healthcare providers and parent mentors
• Targeted messaging on danger signs in pregnancy, nutrition, and timely care-seeking

3. Digital and Social Media Campaigns

To reach younger populations and urban communities, we leverage digital platforms to extend awareness beyond physical outreach.

Our digital campaigns focus on:

• Educational content shared through Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, X, and Instagram
• Live question-and-answer sessions with health professionals and experienced parents
• Sharing real-life stories to normalize preterm birth and reduce stigma

4. Community Health Fairs and Screening Camps

We organize community-based health events to combine education with practical services. These include:

• Basic screenings such as blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index checks
• Demonstrations of Kangaroo Mother Care and essential newborn care practices
• Distribution of educational materials in local languages

5. Awareness Days and Community Events

We use global and national health days to amplify key messages and mobilize communities. These events include:

• World Prematurity Day (November 17) community activities and parent-led testimonies
• Kangaroo Care Awareness activities with practical demonstrations
• Preeclampsia Awareness Month sessions focusing on hypertension in pregnancy

PIPNU's Eye Screening Program:

• Hospital-Based Screening: Collaborates with neonatal units, including Kawempe National Referral Hospital, to provide routine ROP screenings before discharge using retinal cameras and ophthalmoscopes.
• Community Follow-Up: Village Kangaroo Ambassadors track at-risk infants, provide reminders, referrals, and transport support for families.
• Parent & Community Education: Raises awareness about the importance of screening, warning signs, and dispels myths about prematurity and childhood blindness.
• Treatment Coordination: Supports timely referral to pediatric ophthalmologists, post-treatment follow-up, and counseling for families when vision loss occurs.

Screening Protocol:

• First screening at 4–6 weeks of age
• Follow-ups every 1–2 weeks for mild cases
• Immediate referral for advanced ROP
• Community tracking after discharge

Key Messages for Parents:

• ROP is preventable and treatable if detected early
• All eligible preterm infants need screening
• Follow-up appointments are critical

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

SCD is an inherited blood disorder causing red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, which can block blood flow and break down prematurely. Complications include:

• Severe pain episodes
• Chronic anemia
• Increased infections
• Organ damage
• Stroke

PIPNU's Sickle Cell Screening Program

We integrate screening into maternal, newborn, and child health pathways to ensure early detection and continuous care.

Program Highlights:

• Newborn Screening: Heel-prick tests at birth, linked to health records for follow-up.
• Community Screening: Mobile camps and Village Kangaroo Ambassadors reach infants missed at facilities.
• Parent Education & Counseling: Guidance on inheritance, infection prevention, nutrition, crisis management, and long-term care.
• Linkage to Treatment: Referral to clinics, access to antibiotics, vaccinations, pain management, and ongoing monitoring.
• Genetic Counseling: Support for families on carrier status and future pregnancy planning.

Key Messages:

• SCD is manageable with early, consistent care
• All infants, especially preterm or low-birth-weight, should be screened
• Vaccinations and preventive care save lives

PIPNU's Approach

• Father Support Groups & Peer Networks: Structured spaces for learning, mentorship, and shared experiences.
• Practical Caregiving Skills: Hands-on training in KMC, newborn care, bonding, and danger sign recognition.
• Couple-Based Counseling & Home Engagement: Joint sessions, home visits, and communication skill-building to foster shared responsibility.
• Community Awareness & Advocacy: Male champions, storytelling, media campaigns, and dialogues promoting involved fatherhood.
• Health System Engagement: Fathers are encouraged to attend antenatal and postnatal visits, participate in discharge planning, and support father-friendly health practices.