Sanitary products donation to combat newborn coldness, improve menstrual hygiene

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The health ministry has received sanitary products, including diapers, sanitary towels and wet wipes, worth shillings 60 million in a partnership aimed at combating newborn hypothermia and improving menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls.

Neonatal hypothermia is the reduction in the body temperature of the newborn (less than 36.5°C).

Chinese-owned Softcare Uganda Ltd handed over the consignment at the ministry headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala city, on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Health ministry assistant commissioner for reproductive and infant health, Dr John Paul Bagala, said the donation comes at a critical time when Uganda is losing at least 22 out of every 1,000 babies born in hospitals to hypothermia.

Chinese-owned Softcare Uganda Ltd handed over the consignment at the ministry headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala city, on Monday, March 2, 2026. (Courtesy photo)

"When a baby is born preterm, their temperature control measures are not well developed, so they struggle with coldness," Bagala said.

"But even babies delivered at term, if not kept well-wrapped, suffer from coldness, and that contributes significantly to the death of our babies."

He said the risk is particularly acute during referrals when vulnerable newborns are moved between health facilities.

The donated products are expected to be utilised to help keep these babies warm, especially during transport.

"It's a partnership that we are very thankful for," Bagala added, emphasising the tangible impact on infant survival rates.

Beyond infant care, the initiative has an adolescent girls' component. 

Menstruation challenge

Bagala added that many girls cannot afford sanitary pads, leading to absenteeism and school dropouts.

Softcare Uganda Ltd assistant managing director Festo Mugisha said the company is committed to affordability and quality.

Established in Uganda in 2020, it opened its first factory in Mbale in 2022 and is now launching a second facility in May this year in Lugazi municipality, Buikwe district.

He stated that their products, already available in over 17 African countries, as well as Asia and America, are of superior quality.

Mugisha revealed that the company is actively coordinating with the Government to reduce taxes on diapers, aiming to lower the retail price from the current sh500 to sh800 range down to as low as sh200 or sh300.

"Daily, a baby uses four to five diapers. To an ordinary person, that is quite a lot," he said, highlighting the burden on families.

Health services director general Dr Charles Olaro, who officially launched the partnership, encouraged fathers to participate in diaper changing to bond with their babies while boosting infant health.

He emphasised that the initiative would reduce school absenteeism caused by hygiene issues and protect women from urinary tract infections.

Ministry commissioner for reproductive and infant health, Dr Richard Mugahi, lauded Softcare for committing to improving public health, following several productive meetings with the multinational firm.

The company also announced expansion plans, revealing that its parent company in Hong Kong was listed on the stock exchange in November 2025.

Softcare managing director Leon Lee said this global milestone has paved the way for the acquisition of a 30-acre piece of land in Lugazi for a new factory.

"This new facility represents a major step forward for our operations in Uganda," Lee said.

"When the factory opens in May this year, it is expected to create over 300 jobs for local Ugandans, contributing directly to the community and the national economy."