The Ministry of Health has received a donation of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipment from Pathfinder International, funded by the UK Government through the Empowering Women for Better Reproductive Health Outcomes (EMPOWER) Programme.
The donation is part of efforts to strengthen Uganda’s health system and reduce preventable maternal and child deaths, in line with government priorities in maternal and newborn health.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, officially flagged off the equipment for distribution to the beneficiary health facilities across the country.
The donated items include oxygen blenders, mechanical ventilators, stationary baby cots with mattresses, neonatal patient monitors, and other critical equipment used in the care of premature and critically ill newborns.
Health officials say the equipment will significantly improve the quality of newborn care services, especially in facilities that handle high-risk deliveries.
The equipment will be distributed to Masaka, Lira and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospitals, as well as Iganga General Hospital.
The EMPOWER Programme adopts a health systems strengthening approach, supporting the Government of Uganda to improve access to quality reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Ministry of Health welcomed the support, noting that partnerships with development partners remain key in improving health service delivery and saving newborn lives across the country.