Rotary Foundation donates equipment worth over sh2bn to health ministry

Ndamira said the equipment would be distributed to 16 selected health centre IVs across 14 districts in the country. Dr Richard Mugahi, the commissioner for reproductive, maternal and child health at the health ministry, said the equipment will help in reducing the preventable causes of mothers dying in labour from the present 140 per 1,000 to less than 70 per 1,000 every year by the year 2030.

‘‘A demographic survey that the ministry did in 2022 at the community level showed that 189 per 1,000 mothers were dying during labour and due to pregnancy-related causes. Another survey done last year at the same level showed that it had reduced to 140 per 1,000 deaths," Mugahi said while receiving the essential maternal and newborn healthcare equipment at the ministry head offices in Kampala on July 7.

He added, "The donation of these essential maternal and newborn health care equipment will help us to multiply the speed of reducing deaths by three times for both mothers and newborn babies so that we achieve the  70 per 1000 deaths goal by 2030. This  means we need to put in place drugs, equipment, human resources, and infrastructure."

Dr Richard Mugahi, the Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health. (Photo by Jovita Mirembe)

The state minister in charge of Primary Health Care,  Dr Charles Ayume, who also attended the event, said the equipment will help mothers deliver healthy babies. The minister later flagged off the distribution of the essential equipment to the designated  16 Health Centre IVs.

The benefiting Health  Centre IVs are; Kajjansi Health Centre IV in Wakiso, Namayumba Health centre IV in Wakiso, Amolatar Health Centre IV, Kyanamukaka Health centre IV in Masaka, Maziba Health Center IV in Kabale, Shuku Health Centre IV in Sheema,  Mparo Health Centre IV in Rukiga, Mpigi health  Centre IV,  Hamurwa  Health  Centre IV in Rubanda,  Ssekanyonyi Health Centre IV in Mityana,  Bumanya Health Centre IV in Kaliro, Ruteete Health Centre IV in Kabarole, Bukulula Health centre  IV in Kalungu, Kabuyanda  Health Centre IV in Isingiro, Busiest Health Centre IV in Bugweri and  Bwizibwera health Centre IV in Mbarara.

Dr Charles Ayume, the state minister in charge of primary healthcare. (Photo by Jovita Mirembe)

The equipment donated includes baby cots, Warm  Embraces, Digital thermometers,  Delivery beds, C- section sets,  Pulse Oximeters, Newborn Resuscitation kits,  Blended CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure),  Phototherapy machines, Patient Monitors, Radiant warmers and  Kangaroo Mothercare (KMC) chairs.

The Governor of Rotary District 9213, Gerald Obai, said in addition to equipment supply, the intervention includes installation, commissioning, user training and maintenance support to ensure that the equipment is fully operational and sustainably utilised.