In Uganda, mothers2mothers (m2m) is scaling up our primary health care support to entire families, with a particular emphasis on the integration of TB and malaria services into our existing HIV and family health initiatives—this is an exciting development aligned to our 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan. Through a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK), our goal is to decrease TB incidence and associated morbidity and mortality rates, as well as prevent and treat other conditions such as HIV, Cervical Cancer, and hypertension. Â
Our pioneering efforts also extend to providing prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) support services in both health facilities and communities. Currently, m2m’s operations in Uganda are concentrated in Jinja, Bugiri, Namayingo, Bugweri, and Iganga Districts, situated in the East Central region of the country. We have also been able to pilot programmes in two important areas in Uganda: integrated services for children with disabilities; and economic empowerment initiatives. Â
Our programme in Uganda is also committed to addressing the sexual reproductive health and rights of adolescents. We have been providing crucial support to adolescent mothers who are living with HIV and their children with health education, psychosocial support, referrals for health services, and facilitating access to other critical services through the recruitment and training of Adolescent Peer Mentors who are providing tailored integrated reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health, early childhood development, and paediatric services.Â
As a crucial partner in community health, m2m actively partners with the Ministry of Health. In 2023, m2m played a significant role in shaping the implementation guidelines for the National Community Health Strategy by participating in various stakeholder forums, as part of our health system strengthening offering. We are now partnering with the Government on roll-out and scale up of this strategy.