Our Story
Who We Are
Mama Health Consultancy & Community Services Program Co. Ltd. is a rural, community-based organization in Eastern Central Uganda working to complement the Ministry of Health in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. It started as a registered CBO in 2011 and enlarged the scope and breadth of the work to incorporate
Consultancy services. We mobilize communities to actively take responsibility for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes through education, advocacy, and direct support.
To break the cycle of iron deficiency, we run school-based programs that promote the cultivation and consumption of iron-rich foods before women become pregnant. We also invest in the next generation of leaders by recruiting and training young graduates as volunteer field officers, equipping them with skills in safe motherhood, community mobilization, and health monitoring.
Together, we work to ensure that no woman, fetus, or newborn dies from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth.
Brief History
Uganda, though lush and beautiful, faces persistent challenges in maternal and child health due to poverty and historical instability.
The Busoga region, where Mamahealth operates, has high
fertility rates and low-skilled birth attendance, contributing to poor maternal and newborn health outcomes. Busoga Region, where Mama Health operated, has high incidences of teenage pregnancies, and in some places, there is Intimate Partner Violence. Mama Health was founded to address these challenges using a community-driven, collaborative approach.
Background
Often called the “Pearl of Africa” for its lush beauty, Uganda faces a hidden crisis of poor maternal and child health. Since gaining independence in 1962, political instability has weakened health infrastructure and limited families’ ability to afford healthcare. Although the country has seen relative peace in the last fifteen years, a significant portion of the population still lives below the poverty line.
According to the 2006 Demographic Health Survey, poverty and lack of education are major contributors to poor maternal and child health outcomes. Maternal mortality in Uganda stands at 435 per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality is 29 per 1,000 live births—figures that remain unacceptably high despite being lower than some other African countries.
Where We Work
Mama Health Consultancy & Community Services Program Co. Ltd operates in the Busoga region of Eastern Central Uganda, covering seven predominantly rural districts (90% rural): Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Kaliro, Namutumba, Mayuge, and Bugiri.
The region has one of the highest fertility rates in Uganda (7.2). While antenatal attendance is high (93%), only 56% of women deliver with a skilled birth attendant, and just 26% receive postpartum care.
According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS 2006), delivery under skilled care in rural areas was only 37% compared to 80% in urban areas. Many women seek antenatal care late, between the 5th and 8th month, limiting opportunities for early detection and care, with only 45% completing the recommended four visits.
Anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are critical challenges in the region. The FANTA Report (2010) estimated that close to 50% of pregnant women were anemic, while the UDHS 2006 found that 88% of women were iron deficient.
These issues often begin in girlhood due to poor nutrition, leading to stunted growth and iron deficiency in women, which impacts maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Historically, Uganda’s health system, adapted from colonial structures, has focused heavily on facility-based services with an assumption of universal facility access, and on child health rather than integrated maternal and newborn care.
To reduce maternal and newborn mortality, community-level action is essential—educating women, spouses, families, and communities about the importance of early antenatal care, skilled delivery, postpartum care, proper nutrition, and preparation for emergencies.
Our Strategic Objectives
1. To reduce Maternal and newborn deaths in the region using a community-based approach that complements the health facilities
2. Empower communities to participate actively in activities that promote maternal and newborn health.
Our Vision
A community where every mother and newborn can thrive with access to quality healthcare and informed community support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
Our Mission
To contribute to safe motherhood through
responsive community-based action that ensures no woman, fetus, or baby dies during pregnancy or delivery.
Our Core Values
Community empowerment
Safe motherhood for all
Promotion of education and awareness
Youth engagement & Leadership development.
Collaboration with existing health systems
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of images showcasing various activities and programs
Our Services
At Mama Health Consultancy & Community Services Program Co. Ltd, we believe that reducing maternal and newborn mortality starts within the community. Our work focuses on empowering communities to take responsibility for maternal and newborn health while supporting health facilities to provide quality care.
We mobilize and educate communities on the importance of early antenatal care, postnatal care, and delivering with skilled attendants. We involve male partners as allies in supporting women throughout pregnancy and delivery.
