Gentle Hearts Maternity
Status
Current Funding Partner
Gentle Hearts is the newest partner of Sunrise Centre. They are taking their first steps to found an empowered, female-led initiative to meet the needs of women and children in their community. They plan to open their doors in the 2nd quarter of 2025.
Values
Compassion
We believe in building relationships with our patients based on empathy, respect and dignity. All women and their children are welcomed and cared for in a safe and nurturing way.
Communication
We believe in communicating in an atmosphere of openness, honesty, and trust. We believe in informing all stakeholders about our goals and our activities, so they can assist in developing solutions for wellness in our community.
Cooperation
We believe in working together in the spirit of cooperation, with consideration for each other as team members. We believe in developing partnerships and relationships with individuals, organizations, and groups within our community to successfully achieve our mission.
Quality Service
We strive for excellence in our work and continuous improvement of policies, practices and services. We are responsive to our clients and community and use their feedback to improve our programs and services.
Integrity and Accountability
We are ethical, professional and trustworthy in our work. We embrace open governance. We honor our funding commitments and make the most effective use of our resources. We show empathy, care and compassion to those we serve and to one another. We believe that simple acts of kindness matter.
Community Need
In rural Uganda there are many obstacles to care, including the high cost of transportation, long distances, a poor communication network and inadequate road infrastructure. Pregnant mothers, infants and young children are the most vulnerable sector of the population. Without access to affordable medical care, maternal mortality rate remains high at 284 deaths per 100,000 live births and 29 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
Solution
Strengthen and improve access to a complete continuum of affordable, compassionate care, from conception through the first 5 years of life.
Nurture relationships that promote healthy growth and development for mothers and their children.
Location
Banda Kyandaaza village, Nakisunga sub-county, Uganda
Key Members
Executive Manager: Isaac Luganda
Head Midwife & Founder: Amuge Harriet Christine
Lead Midwife & Founder: Nakabuya Jovia (Buiga Sunrise School alumni student!)
Community Maternal Health Representative: To be elected
Services & Activities
Low cost prenatal & postnatal checkups including all exams, tests & vitamins
Low-cost delivery fees which include a mama kit and an inpatient bed
Free HIV counselling, testing & ARVs to prevent mother to child transmission of AIDS
Free immunizations in cooperation with the Ugandan Ministry of Health
Free parenting classes, breastfeeding support and “well-baby” checks
Free medical consultations for mothers, infants and children
Low cost, quality assured medications
Low cost infant and child in-patient services
Free family planning and contraceptives
Free healthcare education
Sustainability
Gentle Hearts plans to operate under a model that prioritizes local sustainability. They are seeking funds to revive the Sunrise fish ponds and purchase machines to produce and package floating fish pellets for resale. Their objective is to raise enough local funds to cover 50% of day to day operational costs and ensure long term program success.
Locally Funded
Salary senior midwife in charge
Salary junior nurse
Office stationary
Medications
Mamma Kits
Immunizations
ARV medications for HIV+ mothers
Contraceptives & birthcontrol
Healthcare education materials
Funded by Sunrise Centre
Salary lead midwife
Salary security guard
Salary caretaker
Utilities water and electricity
Property maintenance & upkeep
Construction & renovations
Medical equipment & furniture