Many maternal and newborn deaths in Uganda are preventable. Common causes include severe bleeding after childbirth, infections, obstructed labor, high blood pressure during pregnancy, premature birth, and lack of access to emergency healthcare.

Long distances to health facilities, transportation challenges, shortages of trained healthcare workers, and delays in receiving care also increase risks for mothers and babies.

BAMA focuses on long-term health system strengthening rather than short-term solutions. BAMA works closely with local communities, healthcare workers, district governments, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health to create sustainable change.

BAMA combines emergency transportation, healthcare worker training, newborn care, technology, and community-based programmes to improve maternal and newborn survival. The organisation prioritises locally led solutions and data-driven impact.

Donations to Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA) help support maternal and newborn healthcare programmes in Uganda.

Donations are used for:

• Emergency transportation for mothers in labor

• Training healthcare workers

• Supporting newborn care units and lifesaving equipment

• Community outreach and education

• Strengthening hospitals and referral systems

• Supporting mothers and babies in underserved communities

Every contribution helps improve access to safe childbirth and quality healthcare.

There are many ways to support Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA):

• Make a donation

• Share BAMA’s work on social media. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram

• Partner through your company or organisation

• Volunteer your skills or expertise

• Fundraise within your community

• Advocate for maternal and newborn health

Support from individuals, companies, and communities helps save lives.

Delays in reaching healthcare facilities during labor can become life-threatening for mothers and newborns. Emergency transportation helps women access skilled medical care quickly during complications such as heavy bleeding, obstructed labor, or newborn distress.

Fast referrals and transportation can significantly reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, especially in rural areas.

Pregnant women in rural Uganda often face long travel distances to health facilities, poor road infrastructure, limited transportation, financial barriers, shortages of healthcare workers, and lack of emergency services.

Some women may delay seeking care due to costs, cultural barriers, or lack of information. These challenges increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Many maternal deaths can be prevented through:

• Access to quality antenatal care

• Skilled birth attendants during delivery

• Emergency obstetric care

• Fast referral and transportation systems

• Trained healthcare workers

• Access to medicines, blood supplies, and safe surgery

• Community education and support

Strengthening healthcare systems and reducing delays in care are essential to saving mothers’ lives.

Without access to skilled medical care, childbirth complications can quickly become dangerous for both mother and baby. Delays can lead to severe bleeding, infection, obstructed labor, newborn distress, disability, or death.

Access to emergency transportation and nearby healthcare facilities can make the difference between life and death during childbirth emergencies.

The “three delays model” explains how delays in care contribute to maternal and newborn deaths:

1. Delay in deciding to seek care

2. Delay in reaching a healthcare facility

3. Delay in receiving quality care at the facility

Addressing all three delays is essential for improving maternal and newborn survival.

Technology can improve maternal healthcare by:

• Connecting mothers to emergency transportation

• Improving communication between health facilities

• Supporting digital referral systems

• Tracking patient care and health data

• Expanding access to health education

• Strengthening coordination during emergencies

Digital health tools can help mothers receive faster and more effective care, especially in rural areas.

Pregnant women should seek medical attention immediately if they experience:

• Severe bleeding

• Severe headaches or blurred vision

• Swelling of the face or hands

• High fever

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe abdominal pain

• Reduced baby movement

• Convulsions or loss of consciousness

Recognising danger signs early can save lives.

Pregnant women and families can prepare by:

• Attending antenatal care visits

• Identifying the nearest healthcare facility

• Planning transportation in advance

• Saving emergency contact numbers

• Preparing essential supplies before delivery

• Learning danger signs during pregnancy and labor

Birth preparedness helps families respond quickly during emergencies.

Every mother should know:

• The importance of antenatal care

• Warning signs during pregnancy and labor

• Where to seek emergency care

• The importance of skilled birth attendance

• How to prepare transportation and supplies

• That seeking help early can save lives

Access to information empowers mothers to make safer decisions during pregnancy and childbirth.

Women around the world still die during childbirth due to preventable complications such as severe bleeding, infections, unsafe abortions, high blood pressure disorders, and lack of access to quality healthcare.

Poverty, inequality, weak healthcare systems, and delayed emergency care continue to contribute to maternal deaths globally.

Premature babies can survive and thrive with timely medical care and support. Important interventions include:

• Kangaroo mother care (skin-to-skin contact)

• Breastfeeding support

• Warmth and infection prevention

• Oxygen therapy and breathing support when needed

• Skilled newborn care in health facilities or NICUs

Early and appropriate care greatly improves survival chances for premature babies.

Effective ways to reduce maternal mortality include:

• Expanding access to quality maternal healthcare

• Training skilled healthcare workers

• Improving emergency referral and transportation systems

• Strengthening hospitals and health centres

• Ensuring access to safe childbirth services

• Supporting community health education

• Investing in women’s health and nutrition

Strong healthcare systems and timely care save mothers’ lives.

Families and communities can support pregnant mothers by:

• Encouraging antenatal and postnatal care visits

• Helping mothers access healthcare quickly during emergencies

• Providing emotional and practical support

• Reducing stigma around seeking help

• Supporting proper nutrition and rest

• Sharing accurate health information

• Assisting with childcare and household responsibilities

Supportive communities play an important role in healthy pregnancies and safe childbirth.