When labor pains started, Eunice Bimbo felt a quiet sense of assurance. Unlike her previous delivery, where she had to undergo a C-section, Eunice had prepared differently this time, thanks to the saving for health plan she had joined in her Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA). She was not worried about transport costs to the health center or the unexpected medical bills because she had access to timely health funds when she needed, and that made all the difference.  

Eunice embraced saving for health in August 2023 when her Village Savings and Loans Association, Ngenge Women Tweyimukye, participated in a financial literacy and Saving for Health training organized by Enabel through trained Village Health Team members. “I didn’t want to face the same struggles I did during my last delivery,” Eunice reflected. The training empowered Eunice and 31 other women in the group to start saving for health, to benefit them and their family members.  

Founded in 2016, the Ngenge Women Tweyimukye Village Savings and Loans Association was created to help women in the community access capital for business ventures and agricultural investments. However, after the training, Eunice and her fellow members quickly realized that financial stability was more than just business, but also health. “Many women in our community struggle to access quality healthcare, especially during pregnancy. Transport to the health center costs 40,000 UGX for a round-trip, and that’s simply out of reach for many of us.” Said Eunice.  

After the training, the group was determined to ensure that pregnant mothers have access to maternity services without the constant worry of financial strain by borrowing interest-free health loans. This was aimed at breaking barriers that prevent expectant mothers from attending maternity services.  

For Eunice, the effort hit close to home. She vividly recalls the challenges she faced during her last pregnancy, when complications led to a referral from Bweramule Health Center III to Rwebishinge Health Center IV for a C-section. The financial burden of the procedure left her with a 5% interest loan from money lenders. It was a difficult experience, but it sparked her resolve to save for health.  

After saving 80,000 UGX for health in her group, Eunice was able to borrow double the amount from the group. The amount facilitated her movement to give birth at Karugutu Health Centre IV in March last year. “It was enough to acquire everything I needed for that day since my husband had already arranged for transport to the health facility,” she says with a relieved smile.  

Eunice's income comes from milk sales from the family herd, as well as purchasing milk from other farmers in the community to increase her quantity and sales. She has already repaid the loan in full, a month later, an achievement that reinforced her commitment to her health savings plan. She intends to increase my weekly contribution to 2,000 UGX or more.  

With a supportive partner, Eunice is happy that they will save for health together. “My husband has embraced the idea. He helps me with the weekly savings sometimes, and together, we’re building a secure emergency health fund for our family.” She said.

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