PROTECTING PREGNANT MOTHERS.

As miraculous as pregnancy is, it comes with its own set of risks, especially when it comes to health and well-being. Surprisingly, expecting mothers might be unknowingly drawing attention to themselves – not just from loved ones but also to an unlikely pest: mosquitoes.

Recent research has shed light on an intriguing finding: pregnant women are more appealing to mosquitoes. These pesky insects prefer expectant mothers due to a range of factors that make them prime targets for mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2) and moisture, both of which are emitted in higher quantities by pregnant women. Studies have shown that pregnant women exhale around 21% more CO2 and moisture compared to others. Additionally, the increase in body temperature, around 0.7°C higher in pregnant women, serves as another attractant for mosquitoes.

This unfortunate attraction holds significant implications, particularly in regions where mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, pose a severe threat. Malaria during pregnancy can lead to dire consequences, including an increased risk of maternal anemia, miscarriages, premature birth, and low birth weight in infants. It remains a leading cause of maternal mortality and complications during pregnancy.

Recognizing this pressing issue, we have stepped in to empower and protect expecting mothers residing in areas prone to mosquito-borne diseases. They have implemented a range of proactive measures to mitigate the risks and combat malaria among this vulnerable group.

To address this challenge, we offer a comprehensive range of affordable mosquito control solutions to households through our Community Health Entrepreneur (CHEs). They distribute mosquito repellents, creams, and soaps specially formulated to deter mosquitoes. Moreover, they provide access to quality insecticides effective in eradicating mosquitoes from households.

Operating with a mission centered around fostering health awareness and empowering communities with knowledge, we advocate for comprehensive health education. They prioritize vulnerable groups like pregnant women, equipping them with the necessary tools to safeguard their health and that of their unborn children.

In partnership with the Ugandan government's efforts to combat malaria, our initiatives play a pivotal role in overcoming this widespread epidemic. By making these preventive measures accessible and affordable, we strive to ensure that pregnant women in rural areas can protect themselves against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria, contributing to healthier pregnancies and safer childbirth.