Saving Women and Preterm Babies (SWAP) Project: Uganda Endline Evaluation

The Saving Women and Preterm Babies (SWAP) project (November 2021 – November 2025) was implemented by Save the Children in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and the District Local Governments (DLG) of Wakiso and Mukono. The project aimed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by improving the survival of for small and sick newborns and pregnant women, particularly those at risk of preterm births within Uganda’s urban health system. The endline found significant progress in both the quality and coverage of essential services across supported facilities.

Maternal and newborn outcomes improved through strengthened clinical capacity, consistent mentorship, and data-driven quality improvement. The proportion of maternal deaths due to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia declined from 24% at baseline to 13% in 2025, while survival among newborns weighing below 1,500 grams improved from 79% to 95% before discharge.