One Year of Care and Community at the MCC

Irene Zijp • July 18, 2025

One Year One of special care for pregnant women

It’s hard to believe that twelve months have passed since the MCC opened its doors. As we look back on this first year, we do so with immense pride—because true care only bears fruit when it’s done together. And that is exactly what is happening here.


20 Births, Countless Consultations, One Mission

In this inaugural year, we have joyfully welcomed 20 babies into the MCC family. Each newborn is a living testament to what accessible, quality care can achieve. To honor every new life, a painted balloon bearing the baby’s name now brightens the walls of the center—a colorful reminder of hope and new beginnings.

But the journey is about much more than just births. We have provided dozens of mothers with medical consultations, shared vital education on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention, and offered essential emotional support. Because being a mother is more than pregnancy—it’s about strength, confidence, and knowledge. It’s these values we commit to nurturing every day.


In Partnership with the Community

The true strength of the MCC lies in its close collaboration with the local community. We work hand in hand with village leaders and healthcare providers to ensure our care reflects the real needs of women and families we serve. This partnership makes the center not just a place for care but a place of and for the community.

Attention also goes to practical, lifesaving details. For example, the establishment of a dedicated placenta pit has been crucial in providing safe and hygienic childbirth care. This seemingly small addition significantly reduces infection risks and promotes better health outcomes across the region.


Smart Technology Saving Lives

Perhaps one of the most exciting advancements this year has been the introduction of modern technology into our rural, small-scale setting—something that was only possible through generous donations. Two innovations stand out:

The Butterfly iQ: A Mobile Ultrasound Scanner
This compact yet powerful device fits in the palm of your hand but has a huge impact. It allows us to quickly and accurately examine pregnant women, detecting complications early on, such as incorrect fetal position or multiple pregnancies. Thanks to this technology, we can refer mothers for timely care or intervene as needed—sometimes making the difference between life and death.


The Baby Warmer: A Lifeline of Heat
In places where incubators are scarce, the baby warmer provides vital warmth for newborns, especially premature babies or those with low birth weight. Over the past year, this simple, easy-to-use device has been used many times, proving itself indispensable in keeping vulnerable babies safe and warm.


An Indispensable Link in Maternal and Child Care

Thanks to these innovations and the tireless dedication of people like midwife Miriam Masembe, the MCC has quickly become an essential cornerstone of maternal and child health in Ndegeya. Communication is direct, care is personal, and the results are clear. Every day, we witness women navigating their pregnancies with greater confidence, babies entering the world healthier, and families growing stronger through challenging times.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain energized and committed to expanding our impact—knowing that together, with community and technology, we can give every mother and child the best possible start.

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