In western Uganda, Birthing Kit Foundation Australia’s partnership with Hope for Sustainable Development Uganda (HOSUDE-U) is helping mothers give birth more safely. In 2024/2025, the organisation distributed almost 5,000 clean birthing kits across the Kasese district. The kits were delivered through a network of community health systems to ensure they reached women who needed them most.

Help where it’s needed

According to HOSUDE-U:

• 4,000 kits were given directly to pregnant women between five and nine months of pregnancy.
• 300 kits were distributed to local health centres including Rukoki Health Centre IV, Kasese Municipal Health Centre III and Kirembe Health Centre II.
• 500 kits were provided to two district hospitals.
• 100 kits were supplied to village and traditional birth attendants.
• 100 kits were distributed to trained healthcare workers for further outreach.

Before receiving a kit, mothers attend information sessions led by health workers and project staff to ensure they understand how to use the items safely during labour.

Local midwives and community birth attendants are also trained in the correct use and disposal of kit materials.

A life-saving intervention

One mother, Angella, shared how the kit supported the birth of her daughter.

Angella received her birthing kit at nine months pregnant. When labour began, she travelled to Rukoki Health Centre IV, where a midwife used the kit during delivery.

She safely gave birth to a baby girl.

Angella said having the kit ready gave her confidence as labour approached.

“I felt comfortable knowing I had the kit for a safe, clean delivery,” she said.

Her grandmother, Masika, 75, said the family would not have been able to purchase the supplies themselves.

“Thank you so much for the support you gave my granddaughter,” she said.

Stories like Angella’s highlight how a simple collection of supplies can make a life-saving difference – particularly in communities where access to medical equipment can be limited.

Each kit represents the combined efforts of donors, volunteers, and international partners working together to support safer births.