I am Mackline Kobusingye,I nearly lost my life giving birth, which is the motivation behind my organization. In 2019, while in labour with my second son, I faced life-threatening complications. At first, I was rushed to a clinic nearby, to find out that there were no essential supplies nor any skilled health professionals available. After, I was rushed to a referral hospital three hours away. There, I received life-saving treatment and my baby and I survived. My experience left me thinking: What happens to women who cannot receive such care? 

Maternal mortality is not simply a medical issue; it highlights systemic inequality and lack of social justice. For a large number of Ugandan women, childbirth still means potentially dying from preventable risks. This is due to poverty, limited health facilities, and a lack of information or support. 

As a solution, I co-founded Vital Care Connect. It’s a social enterprise working to remove barriers to safe motherhood operating a comprehensive model: we provide Ministry of Health-approved birth kits, fortified nutrition, maternal health education and psychosocial mentorship. Rather than waiting for mothers to reach us, we extend ourselves through mobile outreach, SMS support, and door-to-door care to meet the women where they are.