New partnership to boost maternal and child healthcare in eastern Uganda

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A new partnership is set to enhance healthcare delivery in Eastern Uganda, with Soroti Regional Referral Hospital collaborating with World Vision Uganda to improve health outcomes.

The initiative focuses on maternal and child health, capacity building for healthcare workers, and promoting innovations in the healthcare sector.

The MoU, signed on 30th April at Soroti Hospital, outlines a strategic collaboration focused on enhancing clinical care, supporting research and innovation, and strengthening the broader health system.

The initiative is expected to transform healthcare services at Soroti Hospital, the largest government-owned health institution in the Teso sub-region, receiving more than 100 live births every month.

The hospital serves 10 districts and one city, providing both general and specialised care, and acts as a training ground for healthcare professionals.

From Extreme left is Charles Onangole Regional Manager Wold Vision, James Kaahwa Director of Programmes World Vision, Dr Ben Watson Director Soroti Regional Hospital, and Dr Morris.

Welcoming the partnership, Dr Michael Watmon, Director of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, expressed hope and readiness to implement the agreement.

“We are glad that we have made the decision to sign the MoU. We will handle this collaboration with dedication and care, and we look forward to supporting all our clients, especially those directly impacted by this partnership,” he said during the signing ceremony.

The collaboration is expected to have a lasting impact, particularly in addressing preventable diseases and improving healthcare for mothers and children—two of the most vulnerable groups in the health system.

Representing World Vision Uganda, James Kaahwa, Director of Programmes, praised the hospital’s leadership for embracing the partnership.

“Today’s partnership signifies a new chapter in our joint efforts to address healthcare challenges in the region. We believe that this collaboration will enable us to better meet the needs for specialised health services and improve the management of preventable diseases,” Kaahwa said.

World Vision Uganda has also transformed lives in 50 districts by implementing technical programmes in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), resilience and livelihoods, education, and child protection. Its extensive experience and resources are expected to significantly boost Soroti Hospital’s efforts to deliver sustainable and accessible healthcare.

The MoU also paves the way for joint research initiatives and training opportunities aimed at equipping health workers with up-to-date skills and knowledge.

This aligns with national efforts to strengthen health systems and reduce maternal and child mortality.

Uganda continues to face high maternal mortality rates. According to the World Health Organisation, the country records 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2023 alone, Soroti reported 63 maternal deaths, underscoring the urgency for targeted interventions.

Ministry of Health reports show that an estimated 40–50% of women in the region give birth at home, often without skilled medical support.

Management teams from Soroti Regional Hospital pose for a photo with a team from World Vision Uganda.

Long distances to health facilities and lack of money for transport remain major barriers. These delays in accessing care are especially dangerous in cases of haemorrhage and preeclampsia—the two leading causes of maternal deaths.

According to the Ministry of Health’s 2022/2023 national report, haemorrhage accounts for 40% of maternal deaths in Uganda, while preeclampsia contributes 16%. Both conditions can often be managed effectively with timely medical intervention.

“Women who give birth from home face complications like excessive bleeding,” said a midwife at Soroti Hospital, who requested anonymity. “Many delay coming to the hospital because they don’t have transport. By the time they arrive, it’s often too late.” Watmon told New Vision.

He believed with this new partnership in place, there is renewed hope that improved access to maternal and child health services, combined with strengthened community outreach and education, will help reduce these preventable deaths.

The collaboration represents a practical model of public-private partnership—one that prioritises lives, skills development, and sustainable healthcare solutions in Uganda’s underserved regions.