New Women's Group Launch Has Record-Breaking Attendance!

On December 29th, 2012, Butende Women's Group had their official launch event. People turned out in record-breaking numbers--SAFE's staff counted at least 853 people! Events included educational dramas and songs (performed by MABEDA, BUBEDA, and Butende Women's Group), along with maternal and pediatric immunizations, malaria testing and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, general health visits, nutrition outreach, mosquito net distribution, malaria education, and sales of products produced by Butende. One group--MABEDA--charged admission to their performances for the first time, earning 95,000 shillings towards their group activities. Also of note, women from Butende Women's Group were interviewed about their work with SAFE, which aired four times on the radio on Sunday! Check out the photos below:

More than 850 people attended Butende's Launch Event.

Butende Women's Group introducing themselves to the community.

Butende Women's Group performing a song about health!

MABEDA (co-ed development association) performing a REALLY cool parlor trick on soda bottles.

Some of the items made by Butende members and eggplants grown in the SAFE-financed organic community gardens, all sold at the event to profit the new group.

Xylophone used in performances.

A member of the press (from UBC radio) bought one of Butende's baskets.

A Member of Parliament from Iganga town attended the event and donated 30,000 shillings plus 10 water basins and 4 pieces of fabric to Butende to help them get started. She also promised to help all community groups access district funds to continue in their quest to develop their communities, particularly in terms of maternal and child health.

Pregnant woman being immunized at health outreach.

Child being immunized at health outreach.

Support Medie's MPH Degree

Dear Friends of SAFE,

Many of you may know Mukalu Muhamed, (or Medie as he is affectionately known), SAFE's full-time Program Manager. Medie is responsible for the day-to-day execution, evaluation, and improvement of projects on the ground. He also facilitates our internship program, site visits, and other activities related to the complete functioning of the organization. Medie started out with SAFE first as a volunteer translator in 2008, then stepped into the role of full-time Program Manager in the summer of 2010.

Medie is one of the most dedicated maternal and child health advocates we have ever met, and we are thrilled to have him as part of the SAFE team. In true leader-like fashion, Medie would like to pursue his master’s degree, with a focus in maternal and child health, so that he can serve Ugandan communities even better. There is a program in Uganda called “Save the Mothers,” which will allow Medie to pursue his Master of Public Health Leadership with a focus in maternal and child health through Uganda Christian University. The program is specially designed for working professionals, and is structured into three 3-week modules per year for two years. 

SAFE would like to contribute to his education, as we know that he will return that contribution to Ugandan women and children ten-fold in the years to come. We invite you to join us in supporting Medie’s education, for the long-term development of maternal and child health in Uganda.

One semester's fees cost around $550, not including his school supplies and other pertinent costs. If you would like to contribute, please mail a check payable to Safe Mothers, Safe Babies with a note in the memo line that indicates its designation to Medie's school fees, to:

Safe Mothers, Safe Babies

P.O. Box 84 1516

Pearland, TX 77584

If you would like to make your contribution in honor of a loved one for the Holidays, please email info@safemotherssafebabies.org and let us know to whom you'd like us to send an honor card in your behalf.

Thank you for your continued support!

Save for SAFE Delivery: Launch Coming Soon!

One primary barrier to accessesing health care is lack of funds. While maternity care is supposed to be free in Uganda, shortages of supplies, sources of light, and transportation require that women and their families be able to purchase their own medical supplies (gloves, soap, razor to cut the cord, plastic sheeting to deliver on, IV and needle if fluids are required, sanitary pad), candles or paraffin (for a lantern), and public transportation to get to the hospital.

Enter Save for SAFE Delivery! A program devised by rural communities working with SAFE's Program Manager, Medie, Save for SAFE Delivery creates small wooden saving boxes that women can by from community civil society organizations. As soon as a woman knows she is pregnant (or decides she wants to get pregnant), she purchases a box at a cost of $0.37, (which is affordable), and then drops 100 shillings or $0.04US into the box every day. On average, she'll be able to save between $8 and $10USD by the time she delivers, which is enough to purchase the needed items, promoting the sustainability of other community projects, and more importantly, helping more women access timely medical care during pregnancy and delivery!!

Check out these photos, the program is being formally launched later this month!!

Community organizations painting the boxes blue to help them sell better.

Boxes have been constructed, moving to logo painting.

A male community member and civil society leader preparing to paint white onto the boxes.
We love when men are involved in supporting maternal health. Don't you!?!

Woman painting logo onto the boxes using a screen.

Finishing the first batch of boxes for one area.

Complete! "Pregnant women giving bank: Help families save funds for deliveries."