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In an effort to improve the health of mothers, new-borns, and children in Uganda, Rotarians have provided support to nine health facilities with medical equipment.

The consignment, valued at $73,250 (approximately sh275m), will boost the capabilities of health facilities to provide Maternal New-born and Child Health (MNCH) services, including maternity, C-sections, new-born care, and family planning.

The equipment comprises delivery tools, oxygen cylinders, sterilizers, and incubators, among other essentials.

Beneficiaries include: Kalangala and Bukasa Health Center IVs, Bubulo Health Center IV in Manafa district, Butooro Health III in Mpigi, Kasanje Health Center III in Wakiso, Namwiwa, Nawaikoke Health Center III in Kaliro district and St Monica Birongo Health center III in Kalungu district.

Moses Kamabare, General Manager National Medical Stores, interacting with Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health. This was during the flagging off of trucks to transport medicine and oxygen to different health facilities at National Medical Stores offices Entebbe on November 8, 2023. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

Irene Nabayunga, President of the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands, revealed that the majority of the selected health facilities serve impoverished Ugandans in rural areas, treating over 500,000 patients annually.

Dr Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, acknowledged boost to reduce maternal mortality, infant, under 5 and neonatal mortality, the country not yet reached where it wants and still not yet to the target of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022 showed that under-five mortality rate declined from 64 per 1,000 live births to 52 per 1,000 live births in 2022. Infant mortality dropped from 43 per 1,000 live births in 2016 to 36 in 2022.

Neonatal mortality reduced from 25 to 22 per 1,000 live births. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined from 336 deaths to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Atwine expressed optimism about the impact of the provided equipment, stating, "Imagine a woman delivers a premature baby in Kalangala Health Center IV, and she has to get on the Ferry to Masaka, but also in Masaka they find the neonatal unit full, having an incubator in Kalangala for us, it means the whole world." Atwine remarked.

Rotary District 9213 oversees the project, led by the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands, with other participating clubs including Kampala Metropolitan, Kampala East, Mbale Metropolitan, Bweyogerere Namboole, and e-club of Uganda global.

Nabayunga said part of the funds will be utilized for training nurses and midwives from selected health centers to enhance their skills and knowledge for improved MNCH.

Others Personal Protection equipment for medical personnel and sanitation materials and sundries will be provided. Butooro Health Center III maternity ward in Mpigi district will also be refurbished at a cost of sh76m.

Dr Bildard Baguma, Executive Director of Joint Medical Store (JMS), emphasized the importance of preventive maintenance for the supplied equipment to ensure long-term functionality.

"When we supply equipment, we do preventive maintenance on the equipment. This is very important to ensure that the equipment remains functional for a long time,’’  he said.

In a collaborative effort, Rotary District 9213 and the Rotary Club of Waxhaw-Weddington in the USA secured a grant worth $126,520 (sh450m) last year to support government initiatives in improving maternal and child health.

John Magezi Ndamira, Past District Governor said another grant of approximately $245,000 has been approved to supply similar equipment to 76 health centers across seven districts.