From Uganda to Germany: Mama Rescue Takes the Global Stage
When Stella Nalubowa, Mama Rescue Coordinator at Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), boarded her flight to Germany, she carried more than just a presentation — she carried the stories of countless mothers whose lives have been touched by BAMA’s work.
Watch the full YouTube video here.
Her journey began with a week in Berlin, where she immersed herself in Germany’s history, culture, and rhythm of everyday life before heading to Hamburg to attend the European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health (ECTMIH) 2025.
“The trip to Germany provided both professional growth and cultural enrichment,” Stella reflects. “From the learning exchange in Berlin, I gained a deeper appreciation of Germany’s history and resilience, particularly through visits to historical sites like the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial.”
During her time in Berlin, Stella also had the opportunity to connect with members of BAMA’s global network, exploring how local initiatives in Uganda link to global movements for maternal and newborn health. The experience strengthened her confidence, independence, and global outlook.
“The experience also strengthened my adaptability and confidence as I learned to navigate public transport systems, engage with people from diverse backgrounds, and appreciate different cultures.”
In Hamburg, Stella joined global health experts, researchers, and practitioners at ECTMIH 2025 — a space for dialogue and collaboration on the world’s most pressing health challenges. There, she presented BAMA’s Mama Rescue Project, an innovative mobile technology that links pregnant women in emergencies to transport and care in real time.
“At the ECTMIH 2025 conference in Hamburg, the key takeaway was the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing global health challenges,” she shared. “Presenting the Mama Rescue Project demonstrated how simple, context-appropriate technologies can transform maternal health outcomes.”
Poster presentation
Her poster presentation highlighted how Mama Rescue — developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and district teams in Uganda — has already helped reduce delays in reaching care and saved lives in remote communities.
“The discussions and interactions with experts from various countries reinforced the value of evidence-based interventions, partnerships, and continuous learning to scale impactful solutions within Uganda and beyond.”
Stella’s participation in ECTMIH 2025 was not only a proud moment for BAMA but also a reminder of the power of local innovation to make a global impact.
Grand finale: the award
BAMA’s poster won the “Digital Innovation” poster award. Out of 40 posters, the judges appreciated BAMA’s impact, reach, and easy usability for the rural villages. What an honour. Stella received in behalf of the whole BAMA team.
Meeting BAMA USA Board member (Julia Hoagland)
While in Berlin, Stella also had the opportunity to meet with BAMA USA Board member Julia Hoagland. Both appreciated to finally meet in person, exchange experiences, ideas, and learn more from each other.
Guided by our Director of Development (Katharina Mueller)
Katharina Mueller, our Director of Growth and Development, works remotely in Germany. So, Stella was in best hands. Katharina showed her around, introduced her to German food, and co-presented at the ECTMIH conference.
As BAMA continues to champion maternal health across Uganda, stories like Stella’s remind us that knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community-driven solutions are at the heart of lasting change.
Ready to dig deeper? Watch the full YouTube video here.
