Corporate Run targets 5,000 Mama Kits to fight maternal deaths

The organisers of the Corporate Run will continue to use sports as a mobilization tool to achieve their target of ending maternal deaths in the country.

Ian Rumanyika, the chairman of the organising committee, disclosed this on Sunday, October 11, during the fourth edition of the run.

This year's event targets raising 5,000 Mama Kits for expectant mothers in Buvuma Island, Karamoja, and Kyampisi Health Centre in Mukono District.

The run, which featured 15km, 10km, 5km, and walking races, saw upcoming athlete Raymond Omara of Air Force Secondary School win the 15km race. For his victory, he received an air ticket from Uganda Airlines to travel to any destination in Kenya.

According to Rumanyika, there was an increase in both participant turnout and the number of partners committed to the initiative.

"No woman should die while giving birth to another life. We are committed, together with our partners, to raising 5,000 Mama Kits this year to distribute to health centers in Mukono, Buvuma, and Karamoja," Rumanyika said.

His words were echoed by the Director General of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Professor Charles Olaro, who noted that the government annually provides 1,000,000 Mama Kits out of the 2,000,000 needed nationwide.

He added that the government has plans to ensure mothers give birth in better-equipped health centers with facilities and services that protect both mother and child during and after the delivery process.

"What we raise annually is not enough at all, and I appeal to the public to continue contributing to this noble cause," Olaro said. He further explained that the government has a program underway to ensure that every sub-county has a well-equipped Health Centre III offering quality medical services.

The Corporate Run is supported by several corporate brands, including Ruby Hospital, Rwenzori, the Deposit Protection Fund (DPF), National Gaming and Lotteries Board, the Ministry of Health, the US Embassy, and CINAT.

The US Ambassador, Michael Cleverley, assured the public of his government's continued commitment to supporting initiatives that help expectant mothers.

"We believe in physical health, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our support. We will continue backing it because we have heavily invested in the health sector," Cleverley said.

A Mama Kit is a standard package defined by the Uganda Ministry of Health and distributed through the National Medical Stores. It contains essential, sterile supplies needed to ensure safety during labor and delivery.