On 24 April 2026, over 200 health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community practitioners gathered at Uganda Christian University in Mukono for the Save the Mothers Maternal & Child Health Conference (STM2026).

Held under the theme: “Every Change Project Matters: Multidisciplinary Collaborations to Reach Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere,” the conference went beyond dialogue it served as a collective call to action toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

STM2026 featured over 30 presentations, each highlighting practical, scalable solutions improving maternal and child health outcomes across Uganda and beyond.

Across all discussions, one message stood out clearly: meaningful impact is already happening at every level of the health system.

KCIU’s Contribution: Advancing Community-Based Health Financing

Karin Community Initiative Uganda was proud to contribute to this important dialogue through the work of our Executive Director, Mrs. Hope Okeny, who presented research on: The Landscape of Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI).

Her presentation explored how community-led financing models can play a transformative role in expanding access to healthcare—particularly in underserved regions of Northern Uganda.

Key Insights from the Presentation

  • CBHI models empower communities to pool resources and reduce financial barriers to care
  • Locally driven systems strengthen ownership and sustainability
  • Community-based financing can significantly improve health-seeking behavior
  • Integrating CBHI into broader health systems supports equitable access to essential services

By engaging with the academic and policy community, KCIU continues to advocate for inclusive, sustainable health financing solutions that ensure no individual or family is left behind.

STM2026 reinforced the importance of collaboration between communities, health providers, researchers, and policymakers in building resilient health systems.

Looking Ahead

KCIU remains committed to:

  • Strengthening community health systems
  • Promoting preventive care and outreach services
  • Advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare
  • Supporting innovations that improve maternal and child health outcomes

Our participation in STM2026 reflects our continued dedication to shaping a future where every woman, every child, and every family can access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

Join Us in Building Healthier Communities

We invite partners, stakeholders, and community members to continue working with us as we advance health equity and strengthen community-driven solutions across Uganda.

Together, we build healthier communities.