# Empowering Families to Support Maternal Health: Insights from the Future Health Hub Pilot Project in Mozambique

> The Future Health Hub (FHH) – Pilot II in Mozambique strengthened family-centered maternal healthcare.

## Project Overview
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.

## Objectives and Approach
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.
* 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.

## Implementation and Methodology
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.

## SWOT Analysis and Insights
The SWOT analysis conducted during the project highlighted several key insights:

* **Strengths:** High demand for the initiative, a committed and collaborative team, successful adaptation to local realities, and cultural exchange between the Finnish and Mozambican teams.
* **Weaknesses:** Inconsistent availability of participants, limited access to communication tools, and cultural resistance. Some women needed permission from family members to participate, while others faced skepticism toward the involvement of students and outsiders in healthcare delivery.
* **Opportunities:** The project demonstrated that remote support can be a viable solution in areas with limited infrastructure. The high level of interest suggests potential for expansion, and the project contributed to advocacy efforts by highlighting gender-related barriers in healthcare access.

## Outcomes and Resilience
Despite logistical difficulties, political instability, and the early departure of part of the Finnish team, the FHH Pilot II proved resilient. Outcomes included improved student competence in culturally informed healthcare, closer community ties, and new research opportunities in reproductive health. Families gained access to reliable information and support, reinforcing the role of education in improving maternal health outcomes.

## Future Strategic Steps
The FHH team envisions several strategic next steps:
* Maintaining community engagement through periodic health workshops.
* Expanding the project to more health centers.
* Training additional students.
* Establishing new partnerships with local and international organizations.
* Utilizing technology, such as mobile phone support and digital educational materials.
* Advocating for policy changes that integrate family-inclusive models into national maternal healthcare systems.

## 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.

## 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