Kokono baby crib innovation story: Vanessa Nabasirye

Thursday, 4 May, 2023

My name is Vanessa Nabasirye. I am nineteen years old. I live in Kona zone, Kazo Angola parish, Kawempe division with my baby sister and child. This house used to belong to our late father. My mother is married in Kazo Angola from where she comes, once in a while to check on us.

I learnt about Kokono from the women’s representative on our LC committee who kindly notified us of a sensitization activity at our usual meeting grounds. It was especially for ladies of reproductive age and pregnant women. I was pregnant at that time.

Our guests from Kokono talked to us at length, demonstrated how to use it and offered some two pieces. On their second visit, they offered one for each expectant woman in attendance. I was privileged to get one.

The product is lovely, no doubt. We have everything to gain from it. My baby spends almost all his day in the crib, whether asleep or awake. He hasn’t caught malaria. Because of the controlled environment, he is secured from insect bites, fire and other accidents. I initially didn’t understand what the holes were for but they kindly explained.

I consider its price to be on the higher side for people who need it the most. I wish they would have a low cost product for us and then a premium one for people with better financial fortunes. Or, at least, price differentiation of some kind.

We thank Amref for considering us worthy to receive this product free of charge. Having had a c-section and minimal postpartum help, Kokono is a life saver. It is quite a must-have for expectant mothers. I wish more people would find out about it.

My mother saw the crib when she came to nurse me. She really liked it and profusely thanked Mama Rahim for telling me about the sensitization activity. Seeing how cramped up our house is, we are lucky to have a space specially curved out for the baby.