The government of Iceland, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Marie Stopes International, has donated medical equipment worth Shs1.08 billion to Buyinja Health Centre IV in Namayingo District, in a significant boost to maternal healthcare services in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region.
The consignment includes equipping the theatre at Buyinja health Centre IV, beds, wheelchair, resuscitation kits, advanced ultrasound and CT scan machines, expected to greatly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of obstetric fistula—a debilitating childbirth-related condition that continues to affect many women in the district.
Namayingo remains one of the areas with a high prevalence of obstetric fistula, largely attributed to prolonged and obstructed labour. Health experts say the situation is compounded by low uptake of antenatal care services, with many expectant mothers opting for traditional birth attendants instead of delivering in health facilities.
Medical personnel at Buyinja Health Centre IV have welcomed the new equipment, describing it as both timely and transformative in strengthening the facility’s ability to manage complicated maternal health cases.
Dr Ivan Makunda, the facility’s in-charge, noted that the CT scan machine is the first of its kind in the district and will significantly reduce the financial burden on patients.
“We have been referring patients outside the facility for scans, where they are charged between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000, which many cannot afford. This new machine will enable them to access these services free of charge,” he said.
He added that the ultrasound machine will not only benefit expectant mothers but also serve the wider community in diagnosing other medical conditions.
Dr Makunda highlighted delayed labour as a major cause of obstetric fistula in the district, pointing to deeply rooted community practices.
“When someone has delivered five children from home, it becomes difficult to convince them to go to a health facility for the sixth. They often only come when complications arise, and by then it is too late,” he explained.
Dorothy Kayaga, a registered midwife at the facility, echoed similar concerns, citing widespread misconceptions and reliance on traditional remedies during pregnancy.
“Many women use herbs throughout pregnancy and only seek medical help when complications occur. By that time, some present with ruptured uteruses and other severe conditions that can lead to fistula,” she said.
The donation is part of the Survivors Treatment and Obstetric Fistula Prevention (STOP) programme, a three-year, $3 million initiative funded by the Embassy of Iceland. The programme is currently in its second year of implementation and targets Namayingo District, a region grappling with high maternal morbidity and limited access to quality healthcare.
Officials from the Embassy of Iceland reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and women’s health.
Hilda Engilbertsdottir the head of mission Embassy of Iceland in Uganda says the STOP programme adopts a multi-sectoral approach aimed at increasing the utilization of fistula prevention and treatment services. Its key focus areas include raising community awareness, strengthening health systems, and supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of fistula survivors.
"In Iceland gender equality in general is a high priority, it is the reason we have achieved alot of success and that's why we want other countries reach the same level of gender equality" she said adding that fistula in their view is a gender equality issue and a human rights issue and a proper health system and thats why the tax payers in our county are morethan happy to support Uganda in this area.
Martin Agaba the program officer at Marie stopes applauds the Embassy of Iceland for supporting this project.
To date, the programme has recorded notable achievements. Over 15,000 people have been reached with sexual and reproductive health and fistula prevention messages through community outreach initiatives such as radio programmes, dialogues, and social events.
Additionally, 129 Village Health Teams and community leaders have been trained to identify and refer fistula cases, while integrated outreach services have reached more than 3,200 individuals, including a large proportion of young people.
In terms of health system strengthening, maternal health equipment worth over Shs1.7 billion has been distributed across several facilities in the Busoga region. The programme has also trained 14 medical officers in essential obstetric surgical skills and 14 anaesthetic officers in safe anaesthesia, contributing to improved maternal care.
As a result, the Caesarean section rate in Namayingo has increased from 1.5 percent to 4.2 percent, reflecting a significant improvement in access to life-saving surgical interventions.
The programme has also supported 115 women to undergo fistula repair surgery and provided comprehensive rehabilitation services to 200 survivors, including psychosocial support, life skills training, and financial assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
With plans to scale up surgical repairs and operationalize a geo-spatial emergency referral system, stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will further reduce obstetric fistula cases and restore dignity to affected women across Namayingo and the wider Busoga sub-region.
The handover event attracted officials from UNFPA led by Country representative Kristine Blokhus, ACCORD, Namayingo district local government among others