Who We Are
Vital Care Connect is a social enterprise birthed with the mission to reduce
maternal and infant mortality in rural and underserved communities of Uganda.
The fight for maternal health in Uganda is far from over, with hundreds of mothers still losing their lives each year.
Founding Story
Vital Care Connect was founded by Kobusingye Mackline and Arinaitwe Andrew, inspired by their personal, harrowing experience. In 2019, on a Tuesday, Mackline felt the first signs of labor, signaling that it was time for childbirth. Instead of the anticipated joy, she was confronted with a harsh reality. It took her three hours to reach a health facility, only to find that there were no resources available to handle her situation. She was given a referral, but along the way, she collapsed and lost consciousness. She was rushed into intensive care, where her life was saved by oxygen after an emergency operation. However, the struggle did not end there, her child’s recovery was an ordeal that lasted a year and a half, filled with suffering from complications.
This experience exposed the severe challenges faced by many women in rural areas. The couple often walked 30 kilometers for six hours, seeking support from unqualified village clinical attendants, and nearly lost their baby in the process. Recognizing that many others faced similar difficulties, they were inspired to establish Vital Care Connect. The organization is dedicated to providing quality, safe, home-based healthcare services for women in rural areas.
Mission
Ensuring every woman receives the care she needs to thrive throughout maternity by delivering essential, reliable, and compassionate healthcare services to remote and rural communities.
Vision
Bridging the gap in maternal healthcare, one doorstep at a time.
Mackline Kobusingye
Team Leader
Kembabazi Agatha
Community Coordinator
Joanita Kansiime
Health Work
Kyompire Sylivia
Nurse
Joseph Asingwire
Community Health Worker
Asaph Ankunda
Communication
Irene Nalwoga
Quality Controller and A nurse
Nyamwiza Agnes
Head of Finance
Komuzuni Alice
Health Educator and a nurse
Ugandan Statistics on Maternal Mortality
Despite efforts by organizations like Vital Care Connect, Uganda still faces significant challenges with maternal mortality. Here are some key statistics to consider:
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
- 2020: 470 deaths per 100,000 live births (World Bank)
- 2015: 343 deaths per 100,000 live births (UNICEF)
- Goal: Reduce MMR to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 3.1)
Contributing Factors:
- Limited access to skilled healthcare: Many rural areas lack qualified healthcare providers and facilities, especially those equipped for childbirth emergencies.
- Poverty: Low socioeconomic status limits access to prenatal care, transportation, and adequate nutrition.
- Early marriage and childbearing: Young mothers face increased health risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Gender inequality: Cultural norms and limited decision-making power can restrict women’s access to healthcare and vital resources.
Disparities:
- MMR is significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
- Women with less education and lower socioeconomic status experience higher MMR.
Positive Developments:
- Uganda has seen a decline in MMR over the past decades, though progress has slowed in recent years.
- Increased investment in healthcare infrastructure and training for healthcare providers is contributing to improvements.
- Organizations like Vital Care Connect are playing a crucial role in expanding access to quality maternal care in underserved communities.
At Vital Care Connect, we see these statistics as mothers, daughters, and sisters robbed of a chance to thrive.
Our story began with a personal struggle.
Founders Kobusingye Mackline and Arinaitwe Andrew faced difficulty accessing care during pregnancy, nearly losing their baby. Determined to prevent others from experiencing the same, they created Vital Care Connect.
We are more than just a clinic.
We are a team of passionate healthcare professionals, community leaders, and volunteers committed to making a difference. We partner with local organizations and leverage technology to ensure our services reach those who need them most.
Ready to Change Lives?
If you are passionate about community development and making a difference in the lives o the impoverished women and girls