Maternal health plays a vital role in public health, and the involvement of families can significantly influence outcomes for both mothers and newborns. In many low-resource settings, pregnant women face barriers such as limited access to healthcare, lack of information, and insufficient support from their families. Recognizing these challenges, the Future Health Hub (FHH) – Pilot II was implemented in Mozambique as a collaborative initiative between Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and ISCISA (Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde) in Mozambique. Conducted at the José Macamo Health Center between October and December 2024, the pilot project aimed to foster family-centered maternal care and strengthen community support systems.

The overarching goal of the FHH project was to promote education and engagement among Mozambican families to support women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Specific objectives included enhancing awareness of pregnancy stages, guiding families on managing common pregnancy symptoms, preparing them for labor and delivery, and encouraging active participation in maternal well-being. These goals were pursued through a culturally sensitive, participatory approach that valued local perspectives and addressed real-life challenges faced by the participants.

The implementation involved a multidisciplinary team comprising six students, nine teachers, and six healthcare professionals. Together, they engaged with eight pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy, offering individualized support based on each woman’s specific needs. The project methodology emphasized flexibility and adaptability. Activities included needs assessments, family education sessions, and home visits. When logistical or cultural obstacles arose—such as geographical distance, lack of autonomy for women, or the absence of mobile phones—the team responded with practical alternatives like online coaching and weekend visits.

The SWOT analysis conducted during the project highlighted several key insights. Strengths included the high demand for the initiative, a committed and collaborative team, and the successful adaptation to local realities. Cultural exchange between the Finnish and Mozambican teams added depth to the intervention. However, weaknesses such as inconsistent availability of participants, limited access to communication tools, and cultural resistance presented significant challenges. Some women needed permission from family members to participate, while others faced skepticism toward the involvement of students and outsiders in healthcare delivery.

Opportunities emerged through these challenges. The project demonstrated that remote support can be a viable solution, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure. Moreover, the high level of interest suggests potential for expansion to other regions. The project also contributed to advocacy efforts by highlighting gender-related barriers in healthcare access and creating space for discussions around women’s health rights and policy reforms.

In conclusion, the Future Health Hub Pilot II demonstrated that family-centered maternal health education can be effectively implemented in low-resource and culturally complex settings. By prioritizing community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility, the project not only addressed immediate healthcare needs but also laid the groundwork for lasting improvements. Its success highlights the importance of scaling such initiatives to ensure that more families and communities can benefit from informed, supportive, and inclusive maternal care.

---

Writers:

Oona Kähkönen, lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health care, oona.kahkonen@savonia.fi

Ana Bata, nurse and lecturer, Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde (ISCISA), Community Outreach Department, matsimbeana8@gmail.com

Lénia Sitoe, lecturer, Instituto Superior de Ciências de Saúde, Division of Community Outreach, leniasitoe8@gmail.com

---