KCB donates neo-natal incubators to Hoima hospital

In a bid to improve and reduce infant mortality rate in the country, KCB Uganda has donated two neonatal incubators to Kigorobya Health Center IV in Hoima District.

The donation is part of the drive by the bank to give as many premature babies as possible a chance at life through the donation of infant incubators to various health centres across the country.

Speaking during the handover, KCB Bank Uganda executive director Mathias Muhimbisa said the incubator donation was part of the bank's response to the needs of the less-privileged in society, especially in the area of health and education

"We are glad to be able to give a lifeline to the new born babies in this region; this is part of our efforts as the private sector in developing Uganda's health sector through reduction of infant mortality rate."

Dr. Dennis Andia the in-charge at the health center note that they find a challenge while taking care of the majority of new born babies in the region because they lack adequate up-to-date medical facilities because they do not have the funds to purchase the necessary equipment.

"About 24 children die per year at the health center which is a big challenge to the facility," said Dr Andia. He added: "Purchasing such equipment is expensive, we are very grateful for this kind donation. Such donations make a big difference in the care of some of our most vulnerable patients," he said.

Statistics show that of the 1.5 million children born annually, more than 200,000 pre-term babies are born before 37 weeks of being in the womb and nearly 90% of them die before their first birthday.

According to the ministry of health, although the infant mortality rate has reduced to 54 per 1000 live birth, neonatal mortality still remains high at 25 per1000 live births, therefore being the greatest contributor to the infant mortality.  

Incubators maintain a quiet, warm and safe environment for premature babies with low birth weight, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, jaundice, and poor feeding, among others.

In the past three years, KCB Bank Uganda has so far injected sh240m  in donating incubators across the country.