In Uganda, where healthcare systems face immense challenges, neonatal care remains a vital yet underserved area. Through a partnership between the Nakakeeto Foundation and Global Strategies, a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to health innovations, a transformative digital tool called NoviGuide has been introduced. This collaboration represents a pioneering effort to integrate digital health solutions into Uganda’s neonatal care, empowering healthcare workers with real-time, guided support as they care for the country’s smallest and most vulnerable patients.
What is NoviGuide? NoviGuide, developed by Global Strategies, is a clinical decision support tool tailored specifically for neonatal care. Available as a tablet-based application, NoviGuide provides step-by-step clinical guidance that aligns with evidence-based neonatal protocols. It offers automated calculations for medications, fluids, and feeds, and offers instructional videos to support both healthcare providers and mothers. Through this innovative tool, providers can adhere to best practices confidently, even in facilities with limited resources.
Dr. Margaret Nakakeeto, who leads the Nakakeeto Foundation, notes, “NoviGuide bridges a critical gap in neonatal healthcare. By offering consistent, expert guidance, it has transformed how newborn care is delivered, especially in remote facilities where experienced neonatal staff may not always be available.”
The Partnership: Nakakeeto Foundation and Global Strategies Nakakeeto Foundation and Global Strategies joined forces with a shared vision: to improve neonatal outcomes in Uganda through advanced digital solutions. The foundation, working closely with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, has been essential in implementing NoviGuide across the country, ensuring that healthcare providers at all levels can utilize this tool to enhance their work. This collaboration has brought NoviGuide to 34 health facilities across the West Nile, Rwenzori, and Eastern regions, including key sites like Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Moyo General Hospital, Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, and Koboko General Hospital.
Together, these organizations have made an invaluable contribution to neonatal health in Uganda by providing more than 10,000 guided assessments, ensuring accurate, consistent care for newborns.
Achievements: Impact and Success Stories Since its launch, NoviGuide has had a profound impact on neonatal care in Uganda, with achievements such as:
- Expanding Reach to Underserved Areas: By implementing NoviGuide across34 facilities, we have made high-quality neonatal care more accessible, even in rural and hard-to-reach locations.
- Building Capacity and Confidence: Through training sessions facilitated by the Nakakeeto Foundation and Global Strategies, healthcare workers have learned to confidently use NoviGuide, empowering them to provide accurate care.
- Enhanced Neonatal Outcomes: With standardized guidance, providers can now deliver timely, evidence-based care that reduces the risks associated with neonatal health complications. This has led to significant improvements in neonatal outcomes across participating facilities.
One nurse at Arua Regional Referral Hospital shared, “With NoviGuide, I am more confident in caring for critically ill newborns. The step-by-step guidance is invaluable, especially in emergencies.”
Looking Ahead: NoviGuide’s Future in Uganda Building on the successes of NoviGuide, the Nakakeeto Foundation is committed to expanding this tool’s reach even further. In 2025, the foundation plans to bring NoviGuide to additional districts, enhancing neonatal care for an even broader population. Key objectives for the future include:
- Expanding Community Engagement: Educating communities on neonatal health and the benefits of early, quality care.
- Ongoing Training and Mentorship: Providing continuous training to ensure every healthcare provider is confident in using NoviGuide.
- Strengthening Research Efforts: Collaborating on studies that measure NoviGuide’s impact, identifying areas for improvement, and expanding its scope to include pediatric care.
Henry Waligo, Project Manager of NoviGuide Uganda, remarks, “Every visit to our facilities is a reminder of why NoviGuide is so vital. It’s not just a tool; it’s an assurance that our healthcare providers can give these newborns the best chance at life.”
Voices from the Field Feedback from healthcare workers underscores NoviGuide’s significance:
- A midwife from Nebbi General Hospital shared, “Before NoviGuide, managing medications for newborns was challenging. The app calculates exact dosages, reducing our stress and increasing our accuracy.”
- In Koboko General Hospital, a nurse observed, “NoviGuide has transformed our care process. We’re now able to provide quick, precise care, even during busy times.”
Conclusion: Transforming Lives, One Newborn at a Time The partnership between the Nakakeeto Foundation and Global Strategies has brought forth a much-needed resource in Uganda’s neonatal care landscape. NoviGuide is more than an app; it’s a lifeline that has transformed care practices, empowered healthcare workers, and provided countless newborns with a fighting chance. As we continue to expand, the future looks promising for newborn health in Uganda and, one day, perhaps across Africa.
