The most vulnerable people in the world are babies.
Of the 5.2 million children who die around the world each year, 75 per cent die in the first year of life. Babies are at risk of death due to premature birth complications, complications during childbirth, infections, pneumonia and diarrhea.
But this is preventable. With training and support, moms in poverty can be empowered to raise healthy and happy babies.
How does Compassion help moms and babies survive?
Critical care: Your support helps secure access to pre- and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants and medical intervention when necessary.
Home-based care: Mothers are visited in their homes monthly by a Survival specialist, who offers education in prenatal care and early child-rearing as well as one-on-one biblical mentoring.
Group-based learning: At these church-based activities, moms learn skills to earn an income and gain vital knowledge including basic literacy, the importance of breastfeeding and how to prevent malnutrition and disease. These groups combat isolation through a supportive community of mothers who, together, learn about the God who loves them.
Survival in Uganda
Your gift will provide…
Here are some of the specific activities our church partners in Uganda have planned:
- Physical activities: Prenatal care will be provided by skilled health care professionals. Children suffering from malnutrition or stunting will be given nutritional support. Each mother and child will be able to attend health screenings, receive care when sick or injured and obtain relevant immunizations. Moms will also learn about disease prevention, hygiene, nutrition and family planning.
- Cognitive activities: Babies will receive age-appropriate toys and educational materials for use at home and during group meetings to encourage their cognitive development. Church partners will provide welcoming group learning opportunities where mothers can learn about personal cognitive growth and child development training. Moms who need it will also attend functional adult literacy classes
- Socio-emotional activities: Church partners will work closely with moms to help them develop nurturing relationships with their children. Families in need can access individual counseling. Moms will also learn to build healthy relationships with their peers.
- Spiritual activities: Each mother will be given her own Bible. Moms will hear the Word of God to encourage their spiritual growth. Moms will be invited to study the Bible together and share their testimonies.
- Parent and family activities: Pastors will provide opportunities for couples to legalize their unions through marriage, which is shown to increase a sense of responsibility and reduce domestic violence. Church partners will hold parenting seminars to foster a stable and loving home environment. Moms will learn income-generating skills so they can help provide for their families.
With your help, we can give babies born into poverty the essential care they need, help their mothers properly care for them during the critical prenatal months and first year of life, and set them on the path to a fulfilled life in Jesus Christ.