KABALE — Rotary District 9213 has donated medical equipment worth Shs1 billion to health facilities in the greater Kabale region to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services and reduce preventable deaths.
The donation, made under the Empowering Families, Growing Futures project, will benefit Maziba Health Centre IV in Kabale District, Hamurwa Health Centre IV in Rubanda District and Mparo Health Centre IV in Rukiga District.
The project is funded through a Rotary Global Grant and implemented by Mama Toto Care Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health to strengthen maternal and newborn health services in the three districts.
Speaking during the handover, Dr Paddy Mwesigye, president of the Rotary Club of Kabale City under the Kigezi Cohort, said the project was being implemented in phases, beginning with building the capacity of frontline health workers.
He said 15 midwives had already undergone specialised training in maternal and neonatal care to improve the quality of services provided to mothers and newborns.
"The handover of this medical equipment marks the second phase of the project, with the supplies being distributed to Maziba Health Centre IV, Hamurwa Health Centre IV and Mparo Health Centre IV to improve service delivery," Mwesigye said.
Although the specific equipment was not disclosed, the donation is expected to enhance the capacity of the facilities to provide emergency maternal and newborn care, improve diagnosis and treatment, and support safer deliveries.
Kabale District Health Officer Dr Gilbert Mateka said the district continues to register unacceptably high maternal and newborn deaths, making the donation both timely and critical.
He said the equipment would strengthen the ability of health workers to provide quality care and improve survival rates among mothers and babies.
Kabale District LC5 chairperson Denis Nzeirwe commended the Rotary clubs in Kabale, Rubanda and Rukiga for complementing government efforts to improve healthcare services.
"I urge health workers to safeguard the equipment and ensure it is properly utilised to benefit patients," Nzeirwe said.
Uganda has made progress in reducing maternal and child mortality over the years, but maternal deaths and neonatal mortality remain major public health challenges.
Health experts say improving the availability of skilled birth attendants, adequately equipping health facilities and strengthening emergency obstetric and newborn care are among the key interventions needed to save more lives.
The medical equipment donated under the Empowering Families, Growing Futures project is valued at approximately Shs1 billion.
