Mama Tulia Wins Global Award for Transforming Care of Preterm Babies

Mama Tulia Ministries,a non-governmental organisation based in Uganda supporting vulnerable mothers and premature babies gained international recognition after the founder received the Innovation and Collaboration Award at the Global Foundation for Care of Newborn (GFCNI) Summit in Germany and we have been honoured for our work in bridging the gap in newborn care, supporting preterm babies and their mothers after hospital discharge. While advances in neonatal care have improved survival rates, many premature babies in Uganda face life-threatening risks once they leave hospital, largely due to infection, unsafe home environments, and limited caregiver knowledge. Mama Tulia’s model focuses on what happens next. “Our work begins where hospital care ends," Isabelle Furaha, the organisation’s founder said in a statement following the award. “We walk with mothers and babies through one of the most vulnerable transitions of their lives.” Through a continuum of care approach, the organisation provides hospital-based support, home follow ups, caregiver training, and specialised interventions such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) screening, a condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Over the years, the organisation has reached more than 50,000 mothers and babies, conducted over 729 home visits, and facilitated more than 500 hospital engagements aimed at strengthening care before discharge. Its impact is particularly visible in the fight against ROP. Mama Tulia has screened over 2,000 babies, diagnosing 262 cases and successfully treating 243 and preventing avoidable blindness among some of Uganda’s most vulnerable infants. Earlier this year, the organisation launched the Tulia Tender Nest Transition Home, a temporary safe space designed to stabilise high-risk mothers and babies before they return to their communities. Since February, the facility has supported 20 mothers and 24 babies, offering structured care, monitoring, and caregiver education. Beyond clinical interventions, the organisation also addresses the social determinants of health. It has distributed over 234 water filters to reduce infection risks and runs psychosocial support programs, including initiatives targeting teenage mothers and father involvement. Health experts note that such integrated approaches are critical in low-resource settings, where post-discharge care is often fragmented or unavailable. The recognition at the GFCNI Summit highlights not only the organisation’s innovation, but also the importance of collaboration in delivering care under constrained conditions. “This award reflects the collective effort of our staff, volunteers, partners, and communities,” Isabelle Furaha the team leader said. “It shows that even with limited resources, impactful and scalable solutions are possible.” Despite its achievements, Mama Tulia says significant gaps remain. The organisation is seeking support to expand its transition home model, scale ROP screening to more districts, and strengthen community-based programs for young mothers and families. For many of the families it serves, the difference is life-changing. In communities where survival after preterm birth is uncertain, Mama Tulia is shifting the narrative from survival alone to the possibility of healthy, thriving childhoods. As global recognition grows, the organisation hopes the spotlight will translate into stronger partnerships and sustained investment in newborn care.