In contrast to conventional NGOs that typically operate within fixed 3–5-year grant cycles, and often execute multi-country programs overseen by centralized, foreign headquarter-based leadership, BAMA adopts a holistic and deeply integrated approach. Our work is rooted in enduring partnerships nurtured with local district government, beneficiary communities, midwives, physicians, community health workers, as well as faith-based, cultural, and local political leaders.

We address the 3-delays, responsible for most maternal and perinatal deaths and other poor health outcomes:

• Delay 1: Delay in the decision to seek care;

• Delay 2: Delay in getting to a health facility once the decision is made;

• Delay 3: Delay in receiving quality care at a health facility.

These delays represent a ‘vicious cycle’, together they conspire to limit access to skilled health providers and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality for Ugandan mothers and babies. Addressing these delays requires a community-based, health systems approach. But these systems are not merely composed of health centers and hospitals, rather an effective approach must begin at the village and even family levels.

BAMA Program innovations address each of these delays, creating a ‘Virtuous Cycle of Caring’ that counters the vicious cycle created by the 3-Delays. We focus on the knowledge and skills of health providers, the availability of lifesaving medicines, supplies, blood transfusion, and 24/7 cesarean services. We began by enrolling and training a team of Mentor Midwives and Physicians, who in turn share their knowledge and skills with over 500 of their colleagues in 59 health facilities. We train and mentor of a large corps of Community Health Workers, who become BAMA Mama and Papa Ambassadors, Champions of Women’s Health and Rights, ensuring that all of the women we serve have access to quality maternal and newborn care.