PURPOSE:
Author: Renee K. Sokolowski, MSN, CNM, DNP student, Ruth E Zielinski PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, Dr. Michelle Munro-Kramer, PhD, CNM, FNP-BC, FAAN, Daniel Kuir Ajak Bul, MBA, Gulu University, Director of South Sudan Leadership and Community. Development Institution: The University of Michigan School of Nursing South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda experience high rates of maternal mortality, adolescent pregnancy, and closely spaced births—outcomes associated with cultural stigma surrounding contraception, limited access to services, and low literacy (Ackerson & Zielinski, 2020; Zielinski et al., 2024). This project aims to address poor reproductive outcomes through a culturally tailored, community-based fertility awareness intervention using natural family planning (NFP) and peer education. The initiative is grounded in over 12 years of collaboration with the refugee communities, who have expressed strong interest in fertility education and family planning support.

DISCUSSION:
In January 2026, a three-day train-the-trainer workshop will be conducted in the Olua and Mungula refugee settlements, engaging 24 women. Peer trainers will first be educated using a picture-based curriculum and hands-on practice. The curriculum emphasizes the Standard Days Method using fertility beads and cervical mucus monitoring. These tools support accurate fertility tracking in low-literacy settings. Following the training, peer educators will deliver the same instruction to women in their communities. The intervention is designed to improve understanding of menstrual physiology, enhance fertility tracking, and pregnancy spacing—thereby reducing maternal health risks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will measure knowledge acquisition, skill development, and behavioral intention. Anticipated outcomes include increased fertility awareness, improved confidence in using natural family planning tools, and sustainable peer-led education.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence: Results and conclusion pending project implementation, scheduled for January 2026.

KEY MESSAGE:
This project highlights the potential of culturally responsive, low-literacy strategies to empower displaced women with the knowledge and tools to make informed reproductive health decisions in humanitarian settings. Place of birth - rural