Kitgum gets sh50m for maternal health project

By Isaac Baligema

Atleast sh50m was realised in cash and pledges for Irene Gleeson Foundation (IGF) maternal health project in Kitgum district.

This was during the inaugural annual commemoration event held on Saturday at Boma ground which was preceded with a couple of events.

Besides remembering the wonderful life of IGF founder, the organisation was seeking funds to complete the three - strorey maternity hospital at IGF centre in Kitgum district.

"Mama Irene had a vision in 2012 to contribute to maternal health in northern Uganda due to alarming statistics of mothers and babies who were dying on daily basis during child birth," said John Paul Kiffasi, the IGF executive director.

The locals in Kitgum and Lamwo districts contributed Sh33.8m, while president Museveni through deputy speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah who represented him,  contributed Sh10m. Politicians, corporate bodies and individuals pledged contributions totaling to over Sh50m.

According to Kiffasi, at least Sh118m is needed to complete the structure.

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Friends of  Irene Gleeson Foundation during the walk. PHOTO: Abou Kisige

"The equipment are ready to be shipped in from IGF friends in Australia and America once the structure is complete," said Kiffasi.

Meanwhile, the function was a blessing in disguise for Kitgum district as District leaders gave a facelift to district buildings like Posta, the referral hospital and roads as they thought the president was coming.

Dr. Geoffrey Akena of Kitgum referral hospital said that once completed, the IGF maternal health project will greatly help reduce the pressure currently piled onto the hospital.

"We believe it will greatly contribute to maternal health in northern Uganda because every month we receive between 150,000-170,000 expectant mothers and that's really a huge number," said Akena.

Kiffasi said that the organisation intend to complete the structure before the end of the year