In Uganda, the stark reality of teenage motherhood is undeniable, with 25% of girls aged 15-19 either pregnant or already mothers, and more than half experiencing repeat pregnancies. Even more alarming is the sight of mothers as young as 13 years old, reflecting the profound challenges faced in one of the world’s poorest countries. The burden of motherhood weighs heavily on these young shoulders, with many 20-year-olds already mothers of multiple children.
Challenges faced by teenage mothers
In the heart of rural Mukono district lies Kanikwa village, where the Madaraja Foundation conducts monthly outreaches to extend essential sexual reproductive health services to young mothers. The challenges faced by these mothers are immense, starting with the daunting task of accessing essential healthcare services. While the nearest public health facility may be 15 kilometers away, the cost of transportation, often exceeding 10,000 Uganda Shillings (approx. $2.6), presents a significant barrier. For teenage mothers, many of whom rely on their families and spouses for support, this financial burden becomes insurmountable, leading to missed antenatal care visits—a vital component of maternal health.
However, the challenges don’t end there. Teenage mothers face pervasive stigma, both within their communities and from healthcare workers in the facilities they seek services from. This stigma creates a climate of fear and apprehension, causing many teenage mothers to shy away from seeking the care they desperately need. The fear of judgment and discrimination often leads to missed appointments and untreated health concerns, putting both the mothers and their babies at risk.
Madaraja Foundation’s initiative targeting teenage mothers
Recognizing the urgent need to support these vulnerable teenage mothers, the Madaraja Foundation has taken proactive steps to extend essential sexual reproductive health services to them. Through monthly outreach programs in Kanikwa village, Madaraja Foundation ensures that these young mothers have access to vital healthcare services and support. Madaraja Foundation strives to make sexual reproductive health services more accessible, reduce stigma, and empower teenage mothers to take charge of their reproductive health.
Outreach impact and achievements
In its third outreach held on the 10th of January 2024, the Madaraja Foundation served a total of 79 clients, immunizing 37 children below 5 years, providing antenatal care to 16 women, administering Tetanus Toxoid vaccinations to 5 women, and offering family planning services to 14 women. Furthermore, 4 individuals were tested for HIV, and 3 received vital psychosocial support.
Through integrated service delivery, the outreach addressed a myriad of pressing healthcare needs, from antenatal and postnatal care for mothers to immunizations for children under five. It also provided vital family planning services and information, dispelling myths and misconceptions while offering a pathway to informed choices. Importantly, the event also shed light on the silent scourge of gender-based violence, offering screening and psychosocial support to those in need, particularly teenage mothers who often suffer in silence.
Community participation and future outlook
The success of the outreach was deeply woven into the fabric of community participation. From health workers from Kyampisi Health Centre III providing essential services to volunteers engaging in health education sessions, each participant played a vital role in fostering positive change. The event not only provided crucial healthcare services but also served as a catalyst for community engagement, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the local population. Partners like Vijana Corps also play a crucial role in supporting activities during the outreach.
As the sun set on Kanikwa village, the impact of the medical outreach lingered in the air, a testament to the transformative power of collective action. Looking ahead, the Madaraja Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing sexual reproductive health access and promoting community well-being. With sustained efforts and ongoing partnerships, the foundation aims to continue its journey of empowerment, one community at a time.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of teenage mothers by participating in the outreach as a volunteer, making financial contributions, or donating lightly used baby items, sanitary pads, and clothes.
Together, we can empower teenage mothers and build healthier, more resilient communities.