Moving Forward Together: BAMA at the IMNHC 2026 in Nairobi
In March 2026, global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and practitioners gathered in International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2026 (IMNHC) in Nairobi under a shared ambition: to accelerate progress in maternal and newborn health and close the persistent survival gap.
For Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), attending IMNHC was more than a moment of representation—it was a moment of reflection, connection, and renewed commitment to the communities we serve across Uganda.
From Global Dialogue to Local Action
The conference brought together diverse voices—from ministries of health to grassroots implementers—highlighting one critical truth: progress happens when innovation meets implementation.
A key theme throughout IMNHC 2026 was “Moving Forward Together”—a call to align global ambition with practical, scalable solutions on the ground. For BAMA, whose work is deeply embedded in district health systems, this message strongly resonated.
Innovation That Works for Mothers and Newborns
One of the most energising aspects of the conference was the focus on practical innovation—tools and approaches designed not just to inspire, but to be implemented.
“The innovation marketplace was a definite highlight—such a great way to turn policy into simple, practical solutions. Leaving inspired and full of actionable ideas!”
— Dr. Martin Kasendwa, Technical Director
From digital health tools to community-based care models, the innovation marketplace demonstrated how ideas can be translated into real-world impact—especially when they are designed with frontline health workers in mind.
Showcasing BAMA’s Work on a Global Stage
IMNHC also provided a platform to share BAMA’s work with a global audience.
“It was a great pleasure to present the achievements of the project I lead at an international platform. I feel so proud. Networking with different MNH stakeholders from the global was very amazing.”
— Sandra Najjuko, Monitoring & Evaluation
Presenting our work not only highlighted the impact of our programmes—it also created opportunities to learn from others, build partnerships, and position Uganda as a leader in community-driven maternal and newborn health solutions.
The Role of AI and the Future of Maternal Health
A major focus of IMNHC 2026 was the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery. From predictive SMS triage systems to portable, AI-enabled ultrasound devices, the conference showcased how technology can help bridge critical gaps in care.
“The IMNHC 2026 in Nairobi was a watershed moment for global health, showcasing how AI-driven innovations—from predictive SMS triage to smart portable ultrasounds—are reshaping the ‘Moving Forward Together’ agenda to close the survival gap.
For BAMA Foundation, integrating these AI capabilities into our existing Mama Rescue and BAMA mentorship programmes offers a transformative opportunity to modernise our toolkit and dramatically accelerate maternal and newborn survival across Uganda.”
— Dr. Daniel Murokora
For BAMA, this represents an exciting frontier: combining our strong community-based model with cutting-edge technology to reach mothers faster, improve decision-making, and ultimately save more lives.
Our Reflection: From Inspiration to Acceleration
“IMNHC 2026 reminded me that while the challenges in maternal and newborn health are immense, the momentum, innovation, and commitment across this field are equally powerful.
What stood out most is the urgency to move beyond discussion and into implementation—at scale, with intention, and in true partnership with governments and communities.
For BAMA, this moment is not just about learning—it is about accelerating. We are leaving Nairobi with renewed clarity on how to strengthen our programmes, deepen our partnerships, and continue building a system where no mother or newborn is left behind.”
— Katharina Mueller, Director of Growth & Development
Moving Forward Together
As we return from Nairobi, we carry with us new ideas, strengthened partnerships, and a shared responsibility to act.
Because at the heart of IMNHC’s message lies a simple truth:
Progress in maternal and newborn health will only happen if we move forward—together.
