In Uganda, mothers2mothers (m2m) provide 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. Our work is presently focused in Jinja, Bugiri, Namayingo, Bugweri and Iganga Districts, situated in the East Central region of the country.

Since rolling out services in 2010, we have tailored our services to closely match local realities, ensuring the inclusion of a woman’s family in her pregnancy and treatment journey. In addition to PMTCT and RMNCAH services supported by Cartier Philanthropy, m2m is also addressing the high rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in Uganda. We have recruited younger Adolescent Mentor Mothers who are working in communities to increase access to quality sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescent girls and boys.

With catalytic seed funding from Porticus since 2017 and later from the Swarovski Foundation, m2m is implementing an innovative pilot approach to identifying and supporting young children with disabilities and their families, in response to the great need and growing demand for specialised health services. Mentor Mothers identify children with disabilities and refer them and their families for health services, while educating communities to reduce stigma around disabilities. Healthcare providers are also trained in disability-sensitive service provision.

In 2021, m2m Uganda received funding from ViiV Positive Action to improve paediatric case finding and care and treatment, and to support adolescent mothers living with HIV and their children to enjoy health and wellbeing in Jinja.

Additionally, m2m Uganda was the first country to train Mentor Mothers to promote and foster the economic empowerment of their clients. Mentor Mother-led Village Savings and Loan Associations are improving women’s ability to borrow money to finance income-generating activities.