A Vision for Better Maternal Child Health

In 2021, under the leadership of Past President Peter Sewagudde and the maternal child health champion Rtn.Sophie Nantale Wasswa, a transformative project was launched to improve maternal and child health services at the Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) Katego branch. Recognizing the urgent need for quality healthcare in a competitive area like Kampala, the project focused on enhancing the clinic’s Recovery Room and Ultrasound Scanning Room while fostering youth-led community engagement.

This initiative aimed to improve infrastructure and raise awareness about essential reproductive health services such as family planning, antenatal care, and cervical cancer screening.

The Role of Youth: Peer-to-Peer Training and Community Engagement

A key highlight of the project was the strategic involvement of youth volunteers. Under the guidance of RHU, young leaders were trained and empowered to carry out peer-to-peer education, enabling them to share critical reproductive health information within their communities.

Through this outreach, the youth volunteers sensitized women about available services at the Katego branch, including:
    •    Family planning
    •    Antenatal and postnatal care
    •    Safe motherhood practices
    •    Screening and management of cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This youth-driven approach not only increased awareness but also built trust between the community and the healthcare providers at RHU.

Infrastructure Development: Improving the Recovery and Scanning Rooms

The physical improvements to the RHU Katego branch were central to the project’s success. The Recovery Room and Ultrasound Scanning Room were upgraded to create a more efficient and comfortable environment for clients. Key enhancements included:
    •    Installation of recovery beds and mattresses for post-procedure care.
    •    Provision of curtains and blankets to ensure patient privacy and comfort.
    •    Supply of drip stands, metallic cupboards, and a small TV screen for improved service delivery.

These additions significantly improved the clinic’s capacity to deliver high-quality reproductive health services, meeting the rising demand from women in the surrounding communities.

Impact: A Model for Sustainable Healthcare Initiatives

The 2021 Katego Clinic project was more than just a healthcare upgrade—it was a holistic approach to strengthening reproductive health systems. By combining infrastructure development with targeted youth engagement, the project successfully bridged gaps in access to essential services.

The initiative demonstrated that youth empowerment, when paired with strategic investments, can drive sustainable change in healthcare delivery. It also set a benchmark for future projects aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across Uganda.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Reproductive Health

The RHU Katego Clinic Recovery and Scanning Room project of 2021 stands as a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts. Led by visionary leadership and powered by youth volunteers, the project ensured that women in Kampala received the care and support they deserve.

This initiative not only improved infrastructure but also fostered community awareness and trust—creating a stronger, healthier future for families.