Comprehensive Care for Young Pregnant Teenagers in Uganda

Summary
Village Vision Care (VVC), in partnership with local health and education stakeholders, seeks support for a one-year project to provide comprehensive care for 100 young pregnant teenagers and their babies in Uganda. The project will combine medical services, counselling, and community prevention activities to break the cycle of poverty and risky behaviours.

Challenge
Uganda faces one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. About 25% of girls aged 15–19 are either mothers or pregnant (UBOS, UNICEF). In 2020 alone, more than 354,000 teenage pregnancies were recorded, averaging over 32,000 per month (UNFPA).
Teenage pregnancy is a leading cause of:
• 22% of school dropouts among girls aged 14–18.
• 20% of infant deaths and 28% of maternal deaths each year.
• High household and government costs (over UGX 1.5 trillion annually).
Most affected girls come from poor, rural communities with limited access to reproductive health care, education, or social support. They face stigma, health risks, and a future trapped in poverty.

Solution (One-Year Plan)
This project will directly support 100 young pregnant mothers and their babies, while also raising awareness among their communities.
1. Health & Counselling Support
• Obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, or nutrition consultations.
• Laboratory tests, ultrasound, and cytology where needed.
• Psychological and social work counselling.
• Nutritional support for mothers and babies.
2. Community Prevention & Awareness
• Sessions for 240 students, 100 parents, and 80 teachers on life skills, reproductive health, and prevention of teenage pregnancy.
• Community dialogues to address stigma, harmful norms, and gender-based violence.
3. Monitoring & Support
• Track health outcomes, safe deliveries, school re-entry, and counselling progress.
• Work closely with local health centres and schools to ensure continuity beyond the project year.

Budget (One Year-100 Mothers)
Item Unit Cost Beneficiaries Sub-Total
Medical consultation $15 x100 $1,500
(obstetrics/gynaecology/pediatrics/nutrition)
Parental laboratory tests $25x100 $2,250
Medical consultation with ultrasound $32.5x100 $3,250
Medical consultation with cytology + ultrasound $42.5x100 $4,250
Psychological & social counselling package $100x100 $10,000
Subtotal (direct care) $21,250
Awareness sessions (students, parents, teachers) – – $5,000
Administration, coordination & transport (15%) – – $3,900
Refreshments during sessions $900
(snacks and drinks for participants)
Miscellaneous (3–5%) & small unexpected costs $1,000
Grand Total (1 year) $32,050

Long-Term Impact
• Improved maternal and infant health for 100 mothers and babies within one year.
• Reduction in teenage pregnancies through education and prevention sessions.
• Increased school continuation and opportunities for young mothers.
• Greater community awareness of the value of women, education, and health.
This project represents the first phase of a larger multi-year vision. By proving success with 100 mothers, we aim to expand to more communities, train local health workers, and build long-term sustainability.