Clinical Training & System Strengthening
Building capacity in healthcare systems through training programs, nutrition support, infection prevention, and developmental care initiatives.
1. Healthcare Worker Training & Mentorship
At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda (PIPNU), we strengthen the frontline health workers who care for preterm and vulnerable newborns. Our Healthcare Worker Training & Mentorship Program equips nurses, midwives, community health workers, and Village Kangaroo Ambassadors with practical skills, confidence, and ongoing support to provide high-quality, family-centered care.
Why It Matters
- Skill gaps in preterm and newborn care persist
- Burnout and staff turnover disrupt continuity
- Mentorship ensures lasting quality
- Well-trained caregivers save lives and support families
Our Approach
- Hands-on practical training in newborn care, Kangaroo Mother Care, feeding, infection prevention, and developmental support
- Bereavement-sensitive and trauma-informed care practices
- Continuous mentorship through on-site guidance, case reviews, peer learning, and digital support
- Facility-based, community, and remote learning sessions
Who We Train
- Hospital nurses and midwives
- Community health workers
- Village Kangaroo Ambassadors
2. Nutrition & Feeding Support Programs
At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda (PIPNU), we know that good nutrition saves lives. Preterm babies have unique feeding needs, and many families struggle without guidance. Our Nutrition & Feeding Support Program helps parents safely feed, nourish, and grow their babies from the NICU to home.
Why Nutrition Support Matters
- Preterm infants require extra nutrients but tire easily during feeding
- Feeding difficulties are a leading cause of poor growth and readmission
- Breast milk is lifesaving, yet many mothers need practical support
- Early nutrition supports growth, brain development, and immunity
Our Approach
- Breastfeeding, milk expression, and safe formula feeding support
- Kangaroo Mother Care to improve feeding and growth
- Growth monitoring and problem-solving for feeding challenges
- Home-based support and guidance on complementary foods
- Maternal nutrition and lactation counseling, plus peer support groups
PIPNU Fortified Porridge Initiative
- Locally produced, nutrient-dense porridge for infants and breastfeeding mothers
- Subsidized cost for food-insecure families
- Provides income opportunities within the PIPNU network
Partnerships
- ATTA Breastmilk Community for donor milk access
- Ministry of Health
- Local producers and social enterprises for fortified foods
3. Infection Prevention Protocols
At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda (PIPNU), we protect preterm infants highly vulnerable to infections from hospital to home. Our Infection Prevention Program (IPC) uses low-cost, evidence-based measures to safeguard babies from preventable illnesses.
Why It Matters
- Preterm infants have underdeveloped immunity and high infection risk
- Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of death in Uganda
- Hospital-acquired infections prolong NICU stays and increase mortality
- Simple preventive measures save lives
Our Multi-Level Approach
- Hospital-Based: Hand hygiene, sterile procedures, environmental cleaning, visitor control, and safe handling of breast milk
- Home & Community: Hygiene education, cord care, safe sleep, exclusive breastfeeding, and infection awareness
- Parent Education: Recognize danger signs like fever, poor feeding, and respiratory distress
- Immunization Support: Timely vaccinations with digital reminders
- Outbreak Preparedness: Surveillance, rapid response, and isolation protocols
Training & Capacity Building
- Health workers: IPC and outbreak management
- Village Kangaroo Ambassadors: Safe home visits and family education
- Parents: Handwashing, cord care, breastfeeding support, danger sign recognition
4. Developmental Care Integration
At Preterm Infants Parents Network Uganda (PIPNU), we know preterm care goes beyond survival. Our Developmental Care Integration Program supports brain development, motor skills, and parent-infant bonding from the NICU to early childhood.
Why It Matters
- Preterm infants face high risks of neurodevelopmental delays and learning challenges
- NICU environments can be overstimulating; early interventions reduce stress
- Family-centered care empowers parents as primary nurturers and advocates
Our Approach
- NICU-Based Support: Dimmed lights, reduced noise, gentle handling, positioning, and soothing sensory experiences
- Family-Led Engagement: Kangaroo Care, reading, singing, massage, and guided milestone tracking
- Community & Home Follow-Up: Developmental screenings, safe home environments, stimulative play kits, and parent coaching
- Early Intervention: Referrals to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and vision/hearing specialists
- Provider Training: Health workers and Village Kangaroo Ambassadors trained in developmental care, milestone tracking, and parent coaching
Tools & Resources
- Family Developmental Care Kits, milestone trackers in local languages, mobile app reminders, and video libraries
- Monthly "Thrive at Home" playgroups and therapist-led community sessions