{
  "abstract": "Objectives To synthesise implementation research and evaluation findings from the Baby Ubuntu programme—an early intervention designed to support young children with developmental disabilities and their families in low- and middle-income countries.Methods Using the RE-AIM framework, we analysed data from eight studies conducted between 2013 and 2026 in Uganda and Rwanda. Studies included qualitative research, mixed-methods evaluations, a feasibility trial, and economic analyses. The programme, co-designed with expert caregivers, consists of 11 co-designed modules facilitated by expert parents promoting inclusion, development, and caregiver empowerment.Results The programme demonstrated strong demand and feasibility in rural and urban settings, with >80% attendance despite stigma and financial barriers. Evaluations showed 20–25% improvements in family quality of life and increased caregiver confidence, hope, and child developmental progress. Healthcare provider training significantly improved knowledge and referral practices. Implementation was cost-feasible (~$161 per participant), and all 26 eligible health centres in the ongoing Rwanda trial adopted the intervention. Key enablers included community sensitisation, transport facilitation, and co-facilitation by caregivers. Barriers included geographic access, caregiver isolation, and workforce constraints. Knowledge gaps remain on scaling within government systems and sustaining long-term impact.Conclusions Baby Ubuntu offers a replicable and sustainable early intervention model supporting children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Findings inform integration strategies into health systems and ongoing evaluation in Rwanda.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Jaya Chandna"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "MRC/UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Carol Nanyunja"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Rachel Lassman"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Nathaniel Scherer"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Partners In Health, Kigali, Rwanda"
      ],
      "name": "Mathieu Nemerimana"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "MRC/UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Ruth Nalugya"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Samantha Sadoo"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Adara Development, Luwero, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Sam Semakula"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Eva Loucaides"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "MRC/UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Lucy Mbabazi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Maya Kohli-Lynch"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Emily Webb"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Adara Development, Luwero, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Christine Otai"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Kyaninga Child Development Centre, Fort Portal, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Fiona Beckerlegge"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Giulia Greco"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Adara Development, Luwero, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "James Nyonyi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Janet Seeley"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya"
      ],
      "name": "Maggie Nampijja"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Partners In Health, Kigali, Rwanda"
      ],
      "name": "Erick Baganizi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "LSHTM, London, United Kingdom"
      ],
      "name": "Cally Tann"
    }
  ],
  "title": "101 Baby Ubuntu from pilot to scale: early care and support for children with developmental disabilities and their caregivers",
  "uid": "91183702-07c0-519d-bf1b-f890535767c5"
}