Promoting Maternal and Infant Health Through Partnership
The Safe + Healthy Starts Collaboration is a joint initiative led Solar Health Uganda (SHU), dedicated to tackling the interconnected challenges affecting maternal and infant health—particularly in underserved, rural resource constrained communities in Africa.
Our mission is rooted in the belief that no mother or baby should be left behind when it comes to safety, health, and dignity. Central to our work is ensuring reliable energy access—both in homes and at health centers—because clean, dependable lighting is essential for safe deliveries, timely care, and improved health outcomes. We link energy access to broader maternal and infant health priorities, including skilled healthcare, clean water, postpartum services, infant nutrition, supportive education and care, and essential delivery kits (mama kits) that safeguard the health and dignity of both mother and child.
The collaboration also seeks to bridge siloed efforts in maternal and infant health by connecting stakeholders who approach the issue from different angles—whether through healthcare delivery, energy, water and sanitation, nutrition, education, or community engagement. Together, we can create holistic solutions that address root causes and strengthen systems of care.
This platform is created to discuss the barriers to quality maternal and infant healthcare, identify solutions we can implement directly, and advocate collectively for policy change. We also share and learn from the initiatives of partners, individuals, and communities to break the cycle of poor health outcomes. Call to Action
We welcome the engagement of organizations, individuals, researchers, scholars, and student interns with an interest in maternal and infant health especially those working in:
Programming to deliver practical, community-based solutions Research on health systems, cultural practices, and impact evaluation Advocacy for policy, funding, and systemic change Areas such as malaria prevention, clean energy, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, mental health (including postnatal depression and anxiety), and gender equity. Together, we can address the pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa: inadequate infrastructure, lack of reliable energy and clean water, shortage of skilled healthcare workers, poor nutrition, harmful cultural practices, and limited health literacy. We remain open to exploring new advocacy priorities and co-developing strategies that will transform maternal and infant health outcomes.
Collaboration stage
Set Up
Categorisation
Member Facilitated
Number of members
14Chairs
Sarah Baird George Mike Luberenga
Coordinators
Gina Monahan
SDG Focus
SDG 17 - Partnerships to achieve the Goal SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Issues addressed
Diversity & Inclusion Energy Health
Collaboration needs
Funding Support Knowledge & Resources Marketing & Communications
Chairs
To collaborate to achieve Agenda2030
George Mike Luberenga
Solar Health Uganda
Uganda
Wakiso
Connecting with like-minded professionals with the zeal to undertake actions towards climate change and to support the less advantaged.
Coordinators
As an individual, I am in the pursuit of being in spaces that are dedicated to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through systems change and as it so happens, this is the mission of Catalyst 2030 thus wanting to become a part of this organization was a no brainer.
Collaborators
Prominent characteristics is that I am a result oriented and an excellent team player with the aim of contributing to the SDGs achievement globally by 2030.
My motivation for being part of Catalyst Now comes from my passion for transforming public health education through innovation, creativity, and youth engagement. As the founder of the African Health Grid Foundation, I have seen firsthand how arts, storytelling, and gamified learning can empower communities and address serious health challenges. I believe Catalyst Now is a powerful platform to connect with fellow changemakers, exchange knowledge, and amplify African-led solutions. Being part of this network will help me grow as a leader, scale the impact of my work, and contribute to shaping inclusive and future-ready health systems. I am excited to share my experiences, learn from others, and work together to create lasting change.
Initiative to actively engage, involve and empower youth and women groups to participate in Local Enomic Development activities to uplifit their life wellbeing.
Dear Catalyst 2030, I am motivated to join the movement because it provides an opportunity for collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Together, we can amplify our impact, empower marginalized communities, and drive transformative change. Let's make a difference. Sincerely,
Nahom Girma
I am fervently motivated to join Catalyst 2030, driven by a strong dedication to catalyzing positive change. With a background in Marketing and Biz Dev, I am eager to contribute my skills and collaborate with like-minded individuals to address global challenges. The ethos of Catalyst 2030 deeply resonates with my values, emphasizing systemic change and sustainable solutions. I envision myself as an active participant, contributing strategic insights and innovative ideas to initiatives.
Juha-Matti Kingelin
The Kick Project
Finland
Lahti
Lucy Naserian Shonko
Kenya
Nairobi City, Narok town.
I joined Catalyst 2030 to create social change and impact the world positively. As a global network working towards the UN SDGs, their focus on collaboration and innovation aligns with my goals. After six months of active membership, I aim to continue contributing by sharing insights and supporting initiatives in education and climate change. I seek new perspectives, learning opportunities, and collaboration to drive sustainable solutions and meaningful change.
One of my our board members (Dr Elizabeth Sheehan) recommended that i should join.
Hannah Schulman
United States
Somerville, Massachusetts
As the new Associate Director of my non-profit, I'm interested in connecting with others who are working towards sustainable development through interlinkages with a focus on SDG 7. With limited resources, my non-profit is interested in building partnerships to scale impact and create innovative programming to leave no one behind.
George Mike Luberenga
Solar Health Uganda
Uganda
Wakiso
Connecting with like-minded professionals with the zeal to undertake actions towards climate change and to support the less advantaged.
To collaborate to achieve Agenda2030
As an individual, I am in the pursuit of being in spaces that are dedicated to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through systems change and as it so happens, this is the mission of Catalyst 2030 thus wanting to become a part of this organization was a no brainer.