UGANDA
Help provide mothers and babies in Africa with a ‘Safe Passage’ through childbirth
In Uganda alone, 16 mothers die every day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. These are not inevitable tragedies. Most of these women could be saved through timely, skilled care for emergencies such as severe bleeding or dangerously high blood pressure. Florence, a 19-year-old first-time mother, is one of the women whose life— and whose baby’s life—was saved.
When her labor began, Florence walked to a rural health center in northern Uganda. The midwife and nurse attending her had been trained through the Safe Passages program. After nearly three hours of pushing, Florence’s baby was born limp, pale, and not breathing. The midwife immediately began resuscitation. Moments later, the baby took her first breath. Within three minutes, her first cry filled the room. But the danger was not over. Florence began to bleed heavily. Her uterus failed to contract, placing her at grave risk. The nurse recognized the emergency and the team acted without delay, following emergency protocols to stop the hemorrhage. The bleeding stopped. Florence stabilized. Florence would not be one of the 16 mothers who died that day. Three days later, she returned home with her healthy newborn
There are thousands of women like Florence across rural Africa—women who want nothing more than a safe pregnancy and a living child in their arms.
That hope becomes reality only when trained midwives and doctors have the skills, medications, and basic equipment needed to respond when complications arise. To meet this urgent need and save more lives, Catholic World Mission plans to merge with Maternal Life International, which has served mothers and babies in sub-Saharan Africa since 1997. Together, we carry forward the Safe Passages program—providing training and supplies to address the leading causes of maternal death.
Your compassion will ensure more mothers like Florence not only survive crisis deliveries, but that they also go home with healthy babies. Please be as generous as you can today to help save mothers and babies
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Building a Better World Through
Safe Births and Secure Families
Catholic World Mission is excited to announce plans to acquire Maternal Life International (https://maternallifeonline.org), a Catholic nonprofit recognized for its impactful work in Africa. This partnership supports CWM’s commitment to strengthening families and renewing marriages. MLI’s “The Faithful House” initiative has helped thousands of couples restore their relationships, resulting in better family health, food security, communication, and reduced domestic violence and infidelity. Children benefit from more stable, united families. Additionally, MLI’s “Safe Passages” program trains rural healthcare workers to manage obstetrical emergencies, helping to lower maternal and infant mortality rates and make childbirth safer.
Maternal Life Program
Uphold the Dignity of Family Life
At the heart of our mission is the belief that every life is sacred and every family is a reflection of God’s love. Our programs defend the dignity of mothers, fathers, and children by ensuring safety, respect, and care at every stage of life. By strengthening the bonds within the family, we help build the foundation of a more compassionate and faith-filled society.
Nurture Life and Love at Home
The family is the first place where faith is lived and love is learned. Our initiatives support families in becoming true “domestic churches,” where children are cherished, parents are united in purpose, and Christ is present in daily life. By nurturing life and love within the home, we strengthen the Church from its roots outward.
Integrate Faith
with Action
We believe that faith must be lived through concrete acts of service and compassion. Our programs bring together Catholic teaching and practical support, offering both spiritual formation and the tools families need to thrive. In doing so, we bring evangelization to life — transforming homes, communities, and hearts through faith in action.
INITIATIVES
Safe Passages
This initiative is designed to reduce the staggeringly high maternal and infant mortality rates in resource-poor areas throughout rural Africa. Safe Passages empowers midwives, nurses, and physicians working in remote communities by providing effective training and the tools necessary to expertly manage obstetrical emergencies. These measures are saving lives and transforming the journey from conception to birth into a safer, more joyful experience for mothers.
The Faithful House
This marriage formation and renewal initiative has improved the health and well-being of couples and families. Impact studies show dramatic improvements in food security, parenting, communication, respect for women, and reductions in domestic violence, alcoholism, and infidelity. Through The Faithful House program, children benefit from having two caring parents at home who guide them with moral fortitude in a society that can sometimes feel adrift. This program is fostering a revival of family unity, responsible parenting, and God-centered communities.
PROJECTS UPDATES
Your Support Creates Lasting Impact
Your generous donations to Catholic World Mission have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. By contributing to our cause, you are helping us meet basic needs and share the love of Christ with communities worldwide. We provide regular updates through photographs and videos, allowing you to witness the immediate difference your donation makes. We encourage you to support our mission and donate to Catholic World Mission today.