Sometimes You Must Act!

Sometimes, making a big difference starts with an unexpected chain of events. In Ndegeya, it all began with some troubling signals that could no longer be ignored.

Our local media clinic was increasingly confronted with emergencies related to childbirth. Pregnant women would arrive in a panic, often already in labor. In many cases, they were supposed to be referred to the larger hospital in Masaka, which is several dozen kilometers away. But for many women, that journey was simply too long, too dangerous, or just not possible. Traditional midwives from surrounding villages also came seeking help during the night for difficult births.

There was often a lack of specialized care, and sadly, some babies did not survive childbirth. Every loss was heartbreaking and confronting—not only for the families, but also for our staff.

The urgency of the problem became painfully clear on a night we will never forget. One of our staff members found a young woman by the side of the road, right near the clinic. She was on her way to Masaka to give birth—on foot, alone, and in the middle of the night. But the distance was too great. She gave birth right there, by the roadside, without any medical help. That experience struck us deeply. It was a turning point. We knew: this should never happen again.

A Safe Place for Mothers and Their Babies

That night sparked an idea: the creation of a Mother and Child Center (MCC), right next to our clinic. A place where expectant mothers can go for expert, compassionate, and accessible care—day and night.

With the support of numerous dedicated sponsors, the Joanne Foundation was able to make this idea a reality. The construction of the MCC was carried out with great care, keeping in mind the specific needs of mothers in the region. After completion, the Laudara Foundation took over the project. Their focus was on recruiting a qualified midwife and establishing a sustainable care structure within the center.

A Center with Heart for Mothers and Children

Now, the Mother and Child Center offers a safe, welcoming place where mothers receive the care they deserve. There is a well-equipped consultation room, a delivery room where women can give birth in a calm and hygienic environment, and a recovery room where they can rest after childbirth.

Thanks to the MCC, we can now help women in Ndegeya and the surrounding area in time, without them having to make the long journey to Masaka. The center has become an irreplaceable part of healthcare in our region.



What began as one harrowing experience has grown into a lasting difference for hundreds of mothers and children. And this is just the beginning.