Notes from the Field: Equipping St. Claret Maternity Hospital

At MaterCare, one of our core missions is supporting maternal healthcare facilities in underserved regions ensuring that no woman faces pregnancy and childbirth without care, support, and dignity. We’re proud to highlight a recent update from the dedicated team at St. Claret Maternity Hospital in Nyabwina, which has recently been equipped with essential support from MaterCare and constructed with funding from The Watoto - Dzieci Afryki Polish Foundation.

These field notes offer a glimpse into the on-the-ground efforts of the hospital's committed healthcare workers, led by Sr. Shanthi, and reflect both the challenges and triumphs of rural maternal care.

In April, St. Claret Maternity Hospital provided care to 78 expectant mothers through antenatal services, reflecting the community's increasing trust in the center. The staff, working under limited resources, offered critical monitoring and education, particularly to high-risk mothers.

Key Highlights:

• High-Risk Pregnancies Managed Locally: All 8 women presenting with pregnancy complications, including those with pregnancy-induced hypertension, safely delivered at the center. This is a testament to the facility’s growing capacity and skilled care.

• Smoking in Pregnancy: Encouragingly, no mothers reported smoking during pregnancy, an important factor for fetal health.

• Referral for Complex Cases: Two mothers with a history of cesarean section (“previous scar”) were identified during antenatal visits and appropriately referred for advanced management, ensuring their safety and that of their babies.

• Labour & Delivery Care: The center reported no cases of first-degree perineal tears, and only two episiotomies were performed, reflecting a cautious and respectful approach to childbirth.

  
  

Every report from the field tells a story, not just in numbers, but in the lives touched, the challenges overcome, and the dedication shown by teams like those at St. Claret. As we continue to support and equip facilities like this one, we are reminded that progress is made not only in resources delivered, but in relationships nurtured.

MaterCare thanks the team at St. Claret Maternity Hospital for their continued commitment and compassion.

Together, we are building a world where no mother is left behind.

To find out how you can be a part of this project, visit: https://www.matercare.org/uganda