Nalongo’s Journey: From Zero-Dose to Health Empowerment

In the heart of Nateete, a densely populated slum on the outskirts of Kampala, lives Nalongo—a resilient mother of five young children, including two sets of twins, all under the age of eight. Until recently, Nalongo had never set foot in a health facility. Like many in her community, she relied solely on a traditional birth attendant for all her deliveries and early child care. As a result, all five of her children were "zero dose"—they had never received a single vaccine.

Everything changed in late 2024 when a measles outbreak swept through her neighborhood. One of Nalongo’s children fell ill, and fear gripped her household. That’s when a member of our dedicated Village Health Team (VHT) discovered her case during routine community outreach. Realizing the urgent risk to her family, the VHT referred Nalongo to Kitebi Health Centre IV.

Getting to the health facility wasn’t easy for Nalongo, but our program was there to help. Thanks to a transport incentive provided by Thrive Health Link, she was able to bring all five of her children for immunization—a step she never thought she could take on her own. “I would never have been able to do this on my own,” Nalongo says, her voice filled with emotion.

At the clinic, she received far more than vaccines. She was met with compassion, not judgment, and was offered health education tailored to her situation. For the first time, Nalongo understood the importance of routine immunization and how it could protect her children from preventable diseases.

Today, Nalongo's children are fully up-to-date on their vaccines, and she is a more confident and informed caregiver. Her story is a powerful reminder that when we meet caregivers where they are—offering not just information, but practical support—we can transform lives.

Nalongo’s journey is just one of many that show the impact of community-driven health initiatives. By equipping families with the knowledge, encouragement, and means to access care, we take crucial steps toward a healthier, more equitable future.

Nalongo’s Journey: From Zero-Dose to Health Empowerment