iTECH – Public engagement and data collection on stillbirth in Uganda

TRAC FM, in collaboration with iTECH and White Ribbon Alliance Uganda, conducted an interactive radio campaign to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention in Uganda. Using SMS polls, talk shows, and community engagement, the campaign gathered insights on maternal healthcare challenges, antenatal care, and the role of traditional birth attendants. The findings highlighted key barriers to early antenatal visits and the need for improved healthcare communication.

POLL 4

If the government was to extend small business loans, who do you think should be given priority?

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Total Responses

Total

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Unknown Responses

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Radio Stations

Radio Stations

BACKGROUND

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RADIO STATIONS

Radio 1

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POLL QUESTION.

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Location Responses

Campaign Background

Uganda faces a high stillbirth rate, with many cases linked to delayed antenatal care, limited ultrasound access, and traditional beliefs. The iTECH project aimed to improve understanding of stillbirth causes and maternal healthcare challenges through radio-based community engagement. TRAC FM facilitated nationwide discussions, ensuring diverse voices shaped the conversation on maternal health.

Partners and Scope

This campaign was a collaboration between TRAC FM, iTECH, and White Ribbon Alliance Uganda, with funding from Wellcome Leap’s In Utero program. It ran for five months across two major radio stations, Mama FM and Radio Simba, featuring 16 talk shows and eight SMS polls that engaged over 20,000 respondents. Topics included antenatal care accessibility, ultrasound perceptions, and the role of traditional birth attendants in maternal healthcare.

Objective and Impact

The campaign successfully increased awareness about stillbirth prevention, highlighted the importance of early antenatal care, and addressed societal misconceptions about maternal health. The interactive approach allowed healthcare experts to engage with the public in real time, collecting valuable data to inform future maternal health policies. The initiative also underscored the need for improved healthcare communication and patient-centered maternity care.

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