New Health Project Launched to Boost Maternal and Child Care in Northern Uganda

A new healthcare initiative has been rolled out in Northern Uganda to tackle persistent maternal, child, and cancer health challenges. Known as PRISMA—which stands for Prevention, Research and Integrated Services for Maternal, Child and Cancer Health Care—the project aims to strengthen medical service delivery through enhanced access, clinical training, research, and institutional capacity-building.

Coordinated by Italy’s University of Milan-Bicocca, the initiative brings together seven partner organisations. The AVSI Foundation will spearhead implementation across 32 health facilities spread over 11 administrative areas, including Gulu, Lira, Agago, Amuru, Nwoya, Moroto, Napak, Oyam, and Nebbi.

Speaking at the launch, AVSI Foundation Uganda Country Representative John Makoha emphasized that childhood illnesses and pregnancy complications require a coordinated network rather than isolated interventions. Issues such as maternal haemorrhage, prematurity, birth asphyxia, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malnutrition continue to threaten lives when timely care and referral systems are lacking.

Makoha noted that improving geographical access alone is insufficient without ensuring the consistency, timeliness, and high quality of medical services. The PRISMA project will therefore invest in training healthcare professionals, introducing modern technologies, and upgrading local governance to help medical facilities identify gaps and respond swiftly.

Beyond basic maternal and pediatric care, the project also integrates critical interventions for women’s and children’s cancers. This includes boosting community screening, early diagnosis, and structured referral pathways.

Built on previous collaborations involving UNICEF and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, PRISMA hopes to foster lasting partnerships between government bodies, technical experts, and local communities to build a more resilient healthcare network.

Read more about this development in the Nile Post Article.