Coronavirus Update from Uganda
While restrictions are starting to lift in the UK and throughout Europe, in Uganda there are growing concerns from the President about a ‘more dangerous phase’ of the coronavirus pandemic. But there’s also hope and optimism, thanks to the work of Women and Children First and our partners.
New clinic in Sierra Leone
Mafere is the leader of the ‘Hands Together’ community group in Thunder Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Together, the group achieved their dream – building a brand-new clinic to help women and children.
Agnes’s Story
Mothers like Agnes in Uganda face dangers. They wake up every morning not knowing if their babies and children will survive. The catastrophic climate emergency has seen a sharp surge in the number of people suffering from malaria. This deadly disease is reaching record levels.
Tesfaye’s story
In Ethiopia, women rarely get the opportunity to discuss family planning. This means they have less ability to decide if, when and how many children they have. Tesfaye and her husband, Zinu, learned about how short spacing between pregnancies increases health risks for the mother and baby from their local women’s health group.
Immaculate’s story
Immaculate Apio shares her story from Uganda about what she learnt about pregnancy and women’s health from the community health group meetings that she attended.
Give Me A Future To Grow Up For: Our Daily Mirror Story
Uganda is at risk from climate change. The country is witnessing longer, more unpredictable rainy seasons. This increases the risk of malaria and malnutrition, both of which can be fatal. Women and Children First is working with our partners in Uganda to help people affected.
Giving Power and A Voice To Women in Myanmar
In Kachin, Myanmar, amidst conflict, Women & Children First and Health Poverty Action have formed 30 Women's Health Groups, empowering displaced women. Despite challenges, these groups raise awareness and advocate for better health services. Your support can help more women in crisis.
Learning To Treat Diarrhoea Saved My Son
Women and Children First’s Health Groups have supported mothers like Birtukan, whose son contracted diarrhoea when he was two years old - and helped save his life.
Helping Mothers Breastfeed Worldwide
Breastfeeding can be difficult, yet successfully doing so can reduce the risk of babies getting infections or diseases, including diarrhoea. These vital antibodies are not included in formula milk or the water and honey given to babies in some communities.
Salome’s story
Salome was 7 months into her pregnancy when she felt severe, painful swelling in her bump. Thanks to a bicycle ambulance, she was rushed to hospital in time and gave birth to healthy triplets. Read her story here.
Selicia’s Story
In Malawi too many new mothers still face overwhelming barriers to getting the important support they need for a safe birth in a clean health centre, read Selicia’s story here.
Birkinesh’s Story
In Malga District, Southern Ethiopia, roads from remote villages to health facilities are often very hard to use. Ambulances can get stuck, delaying them in critical emergencies. Read Birkinesh’s story here
Call the Midwife Actress Jennifer Kirby Runs London Landmarks Half Marathon
Jennifer Kirby, best known as playing Nurse Valerie Dyer in the acclaimed BBC One show Call the Midwife, completed her first ever half marathon, in aid of Women & Children First.
Watch How Bicycle Ambulances Are Used To Help Pregnant Women in Malawi
Our Community Health groups in Malawi have come up with the idea of resourcing and making bicycle ambulances to help women be transported safely to a health facility. Watch the video here
The Most Important Things I've Learned in My Women's Group
Women and Children First’s support for women’s health groups in Malawi has seen women come together to discuss the most important health issues to them.
How cooking classes have stopped child malnutrition in Malawi
Women’s health groups, through fortnightly cooking demonstrations and nutrition classes, have prevented further cases of child malnutrition in the village of Msonthe within just three years.
Monica’s story
In Uganda, Monica, with other members of her women’s health group, have been told of the importance of attending their antenatal check-ups early. Starting antenatal care early - before 12 weeks - is important to ensure the health of pregnant women and their babies.
Empowering Communities in Uganda and Malawi
Our women’s health groups in Uganda and Malawi have brought communities together. They are solving their problems with innovative, empowering and life-saving answers.
How the Bogra District Community Came Together to Help Shamoly
Bangladesh, unlike the UK, has a health service where some services are paid for. Drugs, medicines and diagnostic tests all carry costs.
Yu Wan's Story
Yu Wan, has been helping women in her community understand the importance of giving birth in hospital and having regular health check-ups. Thanks to you, she has been able to spread knowledge throughout her village.