Autore: Flavia Fiacco

Clean Cooking, fostering the commitment to improved cooking solutions

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

Yesterday in Luanda, we attended the inauguration of a new improved cookstove production center, which will enable the large-scale manufacturing of innovative, efficient, and improved cookstoves. This new facility complements the existing center in Benguela and will support the large-scale production of modern and innovative models as part of the Clean Cooking programme.

Promoted by Eni and implemented in partnership with the Salesianos de Dom Bosco, the programme aims to improve access to modern cooking solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa while also integrating interventions to support community health.

In Uíge, northern Angola, we are engaged in promoting hygiene, health, and nutrition activities, strengthening nutrition services, and training healthcare personnel across 15 health facilities in five municipalities. To date, four health centres have been renovated and upgraded to provide enhanced nutrition services; our awareness-raising activities have reached more than 37,000 people, while training programmes have involved 247 community health workers and 89 healthcare professionals.

This work starts within communities and extends to hospitals, while also strengthening peripheral health centres to ensure the effective management of acute malnutrition cases and continuity of care.

As part of the intervention, we adopt an innovative Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) approach, which seeks to encourage the adoption of healthier practices and ensure the long-term impact of the programme.

This is a tangible example of how access to energy, health, and community development can advance together, generating meaningful benefits for both people and the local area.

Building inclusion for children most in need

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

Yesterday, Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital hosted the final event of the INCLUSIVA Project – “Addressing Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Iringa DC”, launched in July 2024 and funded by the Centre for Global Health of the Tuscany Region.

The project was implemented in Iringa DC in collaboration with CALL Africa NGO, Fondazione Amici di Stella Maris, and Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital, with the aim of promoting and strengthening knowledge and awareness of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders and developmental delays.

Over the past two years, the project carried out a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey to assess community awareness, beliefs, and behaviours related to neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, two training programmes were delivered for healthcare workers from health facilities across Iringa DC, alongside technical assessments designed to evaluate their level of knowledge and awareness on the topic. These activities generated valuable data and provided a clearer understanding of local needs, offering an initial picture of the current situation and the challenges that remain.

INCLUSIVA represents an important starting point for the development of future interventions, helping to strengthen existing services and promote greater inclusion for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.

The event provided an important opportunity for dialogue and knowledge sharing, during which participants reviewed the project’s achievements, assessed the current situation, and discussed future opportunities and priorities.

Attendees included local and regional authorities, representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Community Development, as well as stakeholders actively engaged in the area. Participants had the opportunity to visit Tosamaganga Hospital and several key services dedicated to child health and development, including the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Corner, the Neurology Clinic, the Malnutrition Unit, and the demonstration kitchen, which is used for educational and practical sessions with mothers of children admitted for malnutrition treatment.

The visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about the work carried out by CALL Africa NGO in support of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Participants toured the facilities dedicated to rehabilitation and support activities, gaining insight into the services provided and the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life of children and their families.

The strong participation and engagement of all stakeholders confirmed both the relevance of the topic and the growing interest in addressing neurodevelopmental disorders within the region. The event also opened the door to new opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

The work carried out through INCLUSIVA marks the beginning of a broader journey aimed at improving care pathways, clinical management, awareness, and services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders across Iringa District Council.

Faith-Based Health Systems: Building Trust and Expanding Access to Care in Sub-Saharan Africa

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

In many countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, faith-based health facilities provide a significant share of essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Despite their vital contribution, these institutions often remain underrecognized and insufficiently integrated into formal health systems.

These issues were at the center of Faith-Based Health Systems: Building Trust in Sub-Saharan Africa, a webinar hosted by the Georgetown-Lancet Commission on Faith, Trust, and Health. Bringing together experts from academia, healthcare, faith communities, and international organizations, the event explored the role of faith-based health systems through both Christian and Islamic perspectives, while highlighting frontline experiences from across the continent.

We contributed to the discussion by sharing insights and expertise gained through our long-standing commitment to supporting faith-based organizations (FBOs) across the region. Dr. Emanuela Parotto, Clinical Consultant at CUAMM, presented key results, findings, and lessons learned from this work. Other distinguished speakers included Ibrahim Bola Gobir, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University; Nkatha Njeru, CEO of ACHAP; Nate Smith, Executive Pastor at Trinity Anglican Church; and Derek Yach, Global Noncommunicable Disease Advisor at CMMB.

The strong interest generated by the webinar was reflected in a record level of engagement, making it the most attended session of the series to date. The event attracted 146 unique viewers from 26 countries, spanning four continents. Participants joined from countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Denmark, Zambia, and Brazil, underscoring the global resonance of the topics discussed and the growing interest in faith-based approaches to health systems strengthening.

The discussion underscored the critical role that Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) play in healthcare delivery across Sub-Saharan Africa, while drawing attention to a persistent gap: national health frameworks often fail to fully leverage the reach, trust, and expertise of these institutions.

CUAMM’s Commitment to Strengthening Faith-Based Healthcare

Recognizing the strategic importance of FBOs, CUAMM launched a major initiative in 2019 to support faith-based organizations delivering healthcare services across Africa. The webinar provided an opportunity to showcase the results of this ongoing commitment.

Dr. Emanuela Parotto presented findings from extensive field assessments conducted between November 2021 and February 2024. The study evaluated 63 health facilities belonging to 48 faith-based organizations across 11 countries: Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, the Central African Republic, Tanzania, and Togo.

Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies—including Health Facility Assessment Questionnaires (HFAQ) and Disaster Preparedness Assessment Questionnaires (DPAQ)—the research provided a comprehensive overview of the strengths, challenges, and potential of faith-based healthcare providers in the region.

A Cornerstone of Healthcare Delivery

Evidence presented during the webinar showed that faith-based providers deliver between 30% and 70% of healthcare services in many Sub-Saharan African countries.

For decades, these organizations have played a central role in national health systems, often maintaining a continuous presence in communities where public services are limited or absent. Their commitment to serving vulnerable populations, combined with deep local roots, has enabled them to become highly trusted actors within the communities they serve.

This trust is one of their greatest assets. Built through long-standing relationships, shared values, and moral leadership, it encourages positive health-seeking behaviors, improves adherence to treatment, and supports sustained utilization of healthcare services. As highlighted during the webinar, growing evidence shows that trust is not merely a social asset but a critical determinant of health system performance and legitimacy.

Three Pillars of Support

CUAMM’s initiative is built around three complementary pillars designed to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of faith-based healthcare providers:

  • Training: Development and delivery of tailored training programmes for both medical and administrative staff.
  • Technical Assistance: Field missions conducted by CUAMM experts to assess facility performance, identify operational gaps, and support quality improvement processes.
  • Advocacy: Promotion of evidence-based policies and dissemination of research findings to foster greater recognition and integration of faith-based facilities within national healthcare systems.

Strong Foundations, Persistent Challenges

While faith-based organizations demonstrate remarkable commitment, resilience, and community engagement, they continue to face significant structural barriers.

Key challenges identified through the assessments include:

  • Shortages of qualified health personnel;
  • Inadequate infrastructure and equipment;
  • Limited preparedness for emergencies and disasters;
  • Weak health information and data management systems;
  • Financial instability and resource constraints;
  • Insufficient integration and coordination within national health systems.

These obstacles affect the ability of FBOs to fully realize their potential, despite their proven capacity to reach remote and marginalized populations.

The Path Forward: Integration, Recognition, and Partnership

A clear message emerged from the webinar: faith-based organizations should not be viewed as peripheral actors, but as essential components of national healthcare systems.

Their limitations are not primarily the result of organizational weaknesses; rather, they stem from insufficient structural integration, recognition, and support. Strengthening partnerships between governments, faith-based providers, donors, and development organizations would enable countries to better harness one of their most valuable healthcare assets: community trust.

The webinar concluded with a strong call to action for policymakers, donors, and health leaders. Investing in the integration of faith-based health providers is not simply a matter of filling service gaps. It is an opportunity to strengthen healthcare access, improve quality of care, and build more resilient and inclusive health systems for the future.

In case you missed the webinar and are curious to learn more:

WATCH RECORDING

The Ethiopian Society of Neonatology is born: inaugural ceremony held in Addis Ababa

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

The official launch event of the Ethiopian Society of Neonatology (ESN) was held last week in Addis Ababa, marking a historic milestone and a fundamental step forward in newborn care in Ethiopia. We also took part in this major inaugural ceremony alongside numerous national and international partners who, like us, have been on the front lines in the country for years to guarantee the right to health for mothers and their babies.

For us at CUAMM, the creation of the Ethiopian Society of Neonatology represents the achievement of our daily efforts in supporting hospitals, equipping neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and providing continuous training for local professionals. As Maria Perrella, CUAMM Country Representative, commented:

«Being present in Addis Ababa for this launch reaffirms our organization’s commitment to walking “with” Africa, supporting local institutions in building strong, resilient, and autonomous healthcare systems, so that no child is denied a future».

The event, organized in close collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH), was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma, as well as representatives from UNICEF, WHO, the Gates Foundation, and prestigious academic institutions dedicated to public health.

The Ethiopian Society of Neonatology aims to bring together neonatologists, pediatricians, neonatal nurses, midwives, and researchers under a single vision: to ensure that every newborn in Ethiopia has access to timely, safe, equitable, evidence-based, and high-quality neonatal care, enabling all children not only to survive but to thrive.

As highlighted in the opening speech by the President of ESN, pediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Asrat Dimtse, the establishment of the society addresses the urgent need to build networks.

«Today marks a historic milestone in ensuring that every newborn receives the care they deserve. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Health, all partners, and supporters who made this vision a reality. Newborn mortality remains a dramatic challenge: every year, too many children face preventable complications. ESN was founded precisely to reduce this mortality rate through solid partnerships, research, and international standards. Our vision is simple yet ambitious: to ensure every newborn has access to timely, dignified, and high-quality care. Every newborn life matters: this is our motto, our mission, and our goal,» stated Dr. Asrat, President of the Ethiopian Society of Neonatology.

Challenges at the heart of the debate

The launch of ESN was not only a celebratory moment but also a platform for crucial technical discussion. During the panel discussion titled “Advancing Newborn Care in Ethiopia: Experiences, Challenges, and Strategic Priorities”, leading experts exchanged views on international standards of care and strategies to reduce preventable newborn deaths through specialized staff training.

«Improving neonatal care requires a concrete investment in advocacy, research, and infrastructure. Today, the challenges are many—from limited supplies to the need for staff training—but we are determined to find solutions. We must join forces: the key to success lies in consolidating partnerships and conducting strong advocacy to mobilize the necessary resources. No one can do it alone; it requires multisectoral collaboration,» affirmed the Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma.

In Tanzania with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation: Together for the Health of the most vulnerable

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

Sharing best practices, joining forces, and charting new paths to guarantee the right to health and a future—even in the most isolated areas of the African continent. With this shared goal, we took part in the annual conference organized by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in Tanzania. The event brought together international partners, local institutions, experts, and civil society organizations, all united by a common commitment to sustainable development.

At the heart of the working groups and panel discussions were core themes of our daily field operations: maternal and child health, nutrition, and the strategic importance of resilient community health systems.

Participating in this global network represents an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the work carried out on the ground, particularly in Tanzania, where CUAMM has been working alongside local authorities for years to improve access to maternal and child healthcare.

A central focus of the discussions in Tanzania was dedicated to safeguarding, a dimension that CUAMM considers absolutely essential when operating in fragile settings. True health delivery goes beyond clinical efficacy; safeguarding ensures that programs are safe, transparent, accountable, and deeply respectful of the dignity of the individuals and communities being served. By embedding strict safeguarding principles into the training of Catholic Sisters and health workers, the partnership guarantees a protective environment for the most vulnerable, particularly women and children.

The convening also provided a vital opportunity to explore the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Strategy 2030. Participants engaged in deep-dive sessions examining its methodology, implementation approaches, and core objectives, aligning CUAMM’s field experience with the Foundation’s overarching Theory of Change and Theory of Action. This strategic alignment ensures that current and future interventions are not only optimized for immediate relief but are structurally designed to generate sustainable, multi-generational impact.

“The convening was an important opportunity to highlight the value of investing in Catholic sisters’ leadership and supporting community-based responses that can generate sustainable impact.  It was not only a space for learning and networking, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of partnerships, shared responsibility, and collective action.” Said Laura Braga – CUAMM International Relations Officer

Empowering the Frontline: The Impactful Journey of CUAMM and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

In the fragile ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa’s healthcare networks, Catholic Sisters and faith-based organizations (FBOs) are often the quiet backbone of survival. Operating in some of the most remote, under-resourced, and crisis-prone regions, these dedicated women and local institutions provide a lifeline to marginalized communities. However, the complex challenges of modern healthcare—ranging from climate-induced emergencies to financial management—require more than just devotion; they require specialized skills, resilient systems, and strategic leadership.

Recognizing this critical need, Doctors with Africa CUAMM and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation joined forces in 2023. This strategic partnership was born out of a shared vision: to empower local Catholic organizations delivering health services, transforming them into sustainable, highly effective, and climate-resilient pillars of care.

Three years into this journey, the fruits of this collaboration are visibly reshaping healthcare delivery across three focus countries: Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Sierra Leone. To date, the project has successfully engaged 66 Sisters and trained 94 Sisters across the target countries.

Continuing to Walk Together

The insights and frameworks gained during these intensive days will serve as vital blueprints for CUAMM to optimize ongoing projects and shape innovative intervention strategies.

As the conference ends, our commitment does not: the goal remains to translate the global strategies discussed at these international assemblies into concrete actions, medicines, care, and hope for mothers and children in Africa.

INAET In Ivory Coast: Bridging Energy Transition, Health, and Empowerment

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

A two-day conference in Abidjan recently provided a vital platform to examine Africa’s energy transition from within the continent itself. Embracing a multi-sectoral approach, the event aimed to drive a development agenda where priorities, institutions, and voices are centrally rooted in Africa.

This prominent gathering was the International Network on African Energy Transition (INAET) conference, held in Ivory Coast from June 11 to 12. It brought together researchers, economists, engineers, international finance representatives, European entrepreneurs, and scholars from across the African continent. Among the key themes at the heart of the conference were the interconnections between energy, economic development, and industrial growth. Over the two days of meetings, speakers explored topics such as energy access, sustainable agriculture, biofuels, clean cooking solutions, and carbon markets.

We also proudly participated to reaffirm that public health simply cannot be left out of this crucial global conversation.

The link between energy and public health is in fact profoundly real. For us, this vital connection has inspired a new commitment on the continent: the promotion of improved household cooking methods through the Clean Cooking program, implemented in Angola in close collaboration with the Salesiani Don Bosco and with the support of Eni. This prestigious event provided the perfect stage to showcase this initiative, emphasizing its transformative impact on community health and celebrating the results achieved so far. By introducing modern cooking solutions, this multifaceted partnership proves that the global energy transition can seamlessly align with health equity, nutrition and women’s empowerment.

“At CUAMM, we see clean cooking as much more than an energy intervention. It is a public health investment that starts in people’s homes, where the health of women, children and entire families is most directly affected by indoor air pollution. By promoting safer and more efficient cooking solutions, we are helping to reduce the harmful effects of household air pollution while improving quality of life and strengthening communities. This is why it is so important that health has a place in the global conversation on Africa’s energy transition,” said Andrea Atzori, CUAMM Head of International Relations.

More Than Energy: A Multi-Dimensional Impact

Our ongoing work in Angola, where hundreds of thousands of improved cookstoves have already reached families and communities, provides a clear blueprint for the future. Clean cooking is far more than a simple energy solution; it is a cross-cutting intervention addressing several of the world’s most pressing challenges simultaneously:

  • A Public Health Intervention: Traditional cooking methods involving open fires and biomass release toxic smoke, leading to severe respiratory illnesses that disproportionately affect women and young children. Improved cookstoves drastically reduce indoor air pollution, saving lives and lifting a heavy burden off local healthcare systems.
  • A Pathway to Greater Gender Equity: Women and girls typically bear the burden of spending hours every day gathering firewood and cooking over hazardous flames. Clean cooking solutions free up valuable time, opening doors to education, economic independence, and leadership opportunities within their communities.

INAET is an international multi-stakeholder network promoted by Eni and the Luiss School of Government in Rome, in collaboration with the World Bank Group, including the Institute for Economic Development and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Organized under the high patronage of the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy of the Republic of Ivory Coast, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting African priorities in energy transition and development. The platform aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between African and international actors, creating a bridge between academia, institutions, and businesses.

Strengthening lifesaving maternity care at PCMH in Sierra Leone with the support of Randal Foundation

Posted on by Flavia Fiacco

The new partnership between the Randal Charitable Foundation and Doctors with Africa CUAMM UK will help ensure safe Caesarean sections and strengthen emergency maternity services at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) in Freetown.

The 12-month project, supported by a grant from the Randal Charitable Foundation from June 2026, will help ensure access to safe Caesarean sections for approximately 3,000 women, with an estimated 6,000 mothers and newborns benefiting directly. The Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) is Sierra Leone’s national referral centre for maternal care and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care. At PCMH, women referred with life-threatening pregnancy and childbirth complications require timely access to surgery and high-quality emergency care.

The Randal Foundation is supporting the project to help protect women and newborns in Sierra Leone by strengthening access to safe Caesarean sections and high-quality emergency care. As the Foundation explains, its support will enable CUAMM to provide essential medicines and medical supplies, alongside on-site training, mentoring and technical assistance for medical and nursing staff at PCMH.

“By working alongside CUAMM UK, we are able to support not only immediate, life-saving interventions but also the long-term strengthening of healthcare systems, ensuring lasting impact for mothers and their babies,” the Foundation said.

The Randal Foundation’s support will help maintain uninterrupted Caesarean section capacity through the provision of essential medicines, medical equipment, laboratory reagents and other critical medical consumables, with a particular focus on women receiving care in the Emergency Department and High Dependency Unit (HDU).

The project will also strengthen infection prevention and control, providing essential materials to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and support safer care for mothers and newborns.

Alongside these resources, specialised clinicians will provide on-site training, mentoring and technical assistance to medical and nursing staff working in the HDU and Emergency Department. This will strengthen local capacity to manage obstetric emergencies and care for critically ill mothers, helping ensure that improvements in the quality and safety of care are sustained beyond the life of the project.

“We are grateful to the Randal Foundation for this vital support. This grant will help us ensure that women with life-threatening complications can access safe Caesarean sections and high-quality emergency care at Princess Christian Maternity Hospital in Freetown. Thanks to the Foundation’s generosity, our teams can provide essential medicines and supplies, strengthen infection prevention, and mentor local health staff so that more mothers and their babies survive and thrive. This partnership is a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to protecting the lives of some of the most vulnerable women and newborns in Sierra Leone.” Said Andrea Atzori, Head of International Relations at Doctors with Africa CUAMM.

The partnership builds on our longstanding commitment to maternal and newborn health in Sierra Leone. We have been working at PCMH since 2016, supporting efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by strengthening clinical capacity, health information systems and hospital management, while improving the availability of essential equipment and supplies.

The new project combines immediate support for lifesaving obstetric care with investment in the skills and systems needed to strengthen maternity services over the longer term. By ensuring that essential resources are available while supporting local health workers through training and mentoring, the partnership aims to contribute to a stronger and more resilient maternal health service at Sierra Leone’s national referral hospital.