Pupils, teachers to run for decent maternal healthcare services

KAMPALA - As part of efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Uganda, the British School of Kampala (BSK) Secondary School has organized a community-run aimed at raising money to equip healthcare facilities in Kampala.

The run slated for 8:00 am on December 12, 2020, will be virtual with pupils, teachers and parents of the school taking centre stage.

According to Joseph Ajal, the Chairperson Parents Staff Association, there is need for Ugandans to put special focus on high-risk pregnant women, mainly those suffering from anaemia in the remote areas of the district, to ensure increased access to timely maternal health services to them.

"We want to help improve access to prompt and comprehensive maternal health services for pregnant women. We want mothers to have decent maternal healthcare services," Ajal said.

According to World Bank figures, for every 100,000 live births in Uganda, 375 mothers die from complications from pregnancy and childbirth.

Ajal explains that the community-run was conceived in 2015 after one of the staff members lost her life while giving birth.

With a ratio of up to 16 mothers dying on a daily basis while giving birth, maternal and associated infant mortality rates in Uganda remain unacceptably high.

"In memory of her, we decided to have a run to contribute to the reduction of these numbers. We call upon all Ugandans to join us and support the run to save our mothers," Ajal said.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) providing all pregnant women and their infants with the recommended level of maternal and health care would reduce maternal deaths by two thirds. 

This is the fourth edition of the community-run and will be supported by Rotary Club of Kisugu Victoria View and Women International Maternal Aid (WIMA).

"Parents will run from home, take a picture and share it on Facebook, and other school social media groups. The run hashtag is #BSKCommunityRun2020," Ajal said while addressing the press on Tuesday.

Well-wishers can buy a T-shirt at sh20,000 from the school or Ticket at sh10,000 via Airtel Money by pressing *185*9# and using the merchant code 100100142. Mtn users can via 0787264889.

Gorret Bamwanga, the chairperson WIMA rallied Ugandans to join the run to create awareness and raise money to save mothers.

"Make a contribution for a mother who may not afford lifesaving maternal health services in well-to-do facilities," Bamwanga said.

Winnie Bagonza, the BSK School director, said the money will be used to buy equipment like incubators, delivery beds, beds, among others.

"We normally buy equipment basing on the needs of the benefiting health facility," Bagonza said.

In the previous edition of the run, the school has supported facilities like Kisugu Health centre II, Wenzi Health Clinic and Nsambya Police Barracks Clinics.

Miriam Ndyanabo, staff member noted that by having this run, the school is inculcating the heart of giving in its students.

"We believe that children who go through this school will be impacted and change agents in the community because they know the importance of giving," Ndyanabo said.

She encouraged schools to always work with the community to create a difference.

"Schools and the community must always work together to solve society challenges. That is why we are calling upon the community to join this cause," Ndyanabo said.

Margaret Nsibirwa from Rotary Club noted that Maternal and child healthcare services are very important to be left to government alone.