Uganda Martyrs Hospital in Ibanda District has received a major boost in neonatal healthcare following a donation of specialized neonatal equipment from the Rotary Club of Ibanda District 9214 in partnership with the Rotary Club of Savannah South Georgia, USA District 6920.
The donation, valued at USD 51,485 (approximately Shs190 million), included phototherapy machines, incubators, baby warmers, infusion pumps, and other essential equipment aimed at improving the survival and care of newborn babies.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held on Thursday at the hospital grounds, the Medical Director of Uganda Martyrs Hospital, Dr. Gothaldo Tumubugane, said the hospital has been struggling to handle the growing number of neonatal cases referred from surrounding districts due to inadequate equipment.
“A large number of neonates delivered in this district and neighboring districts are referred here because Ibanda Hospital is the main health facility in the area. Most peripheral health units send us cases they fail to manage,” Dr. Tumubugane said.
He added that the hospital previously lacked a fully functional neonatal unit, forcing many critically ill newborns to be referred to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for specialized care.
“We have been facing challenges in managing these babies, and in many cases we had to refer them to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for further management. This equipment is therefore going to save many lives and improve the quality of neonatal care in our hospital,” he noted.
The President of the Rotary Club of Ibanda, Kenan Akantorana, said the donation reflects Rotary’s commitment to improving community health and securing a better future for children.
“This project represents service, hope, and commitment to the future of children in our community. When we identified the need for neonatal equipment, we mobilized support through a Global Grant to ensure this project becomes a success,” Akantorana said.
The Vice Chairperson of Ibanda District, Betty Kwitegyetse, commended the Rotary Club for supporting the health sector and pledged increased district support toward the hospital’s operations.
“We appreciate the Rotary Club of Ibanda for this timely intervention. As a district, we are planning to increase the hospital budget to address operational funding gaps and improve service delivery,” Kwitegyetse said.
Uganda continues to face challenges related to neonatal mortality, with the country recording approximately 22 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. Health experts attribute nearly half of newborn deaths to birth asphyxia, while preterm birth complications and neonatal sepsis remain major contributors to infant mortality.
Health officials believe the newly donated equipment will significantly improve newborn survival rates in Ibanda and neighboring districts by strengthening emergency neonatal care services at the hospital.