Adjumani District has received a major boost in emergency maternal healthcare following the launch of a Rotary-funded project aimed at reducing maternal deaths caused by postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide.
The project, officially launched on Wednesday at Nyumanzi Health Centre III, saw the handover of 15 Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (NASGs) valued at US$6,000 (about Shs22.3 million).
The initiative is being implemented by the Rotary Club of Adjumani with support from the Rotary Club of Mbarara Ranchers and the Rotary Club of Cambridge.
The NASGs will be distributed to health facilities across the Ma’di Sub-region, comprising Adjumani, Moyo, and Obongi districts, to strengthen emergency obstetric care and improve the survival chances of mothers experiencing severe bleeding after childbirth.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. William Anzo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who also serves as President of the Rotary Club of Adjumani, said the project is intended to bridge the critical gap between the onset of obstetric emergencies and access to definitive medical treatment.
“Postpartum hemorrhage remains one of the biggest causes of maternal deaths. The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment is a simple but highly effective device that stabilizes mothers by reducing blood loss and improving circulation while they are being referred for advanced care. We believe this intervention will save many lives in our region,” Dr. Anzo said.
The NASG is a reusable first-aid medical device designed to apply pressure to the lower body and abdomen, helping maintain blood flow to vital organs while buying valuable time during emergency referrals.
Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, Henry Lulu Leku, said the project goes beyond providing equipment by strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers.
“Our goal is to reduce maternal deaths by improving emergency response to obstetric hemorrhage, strengthening referral systems and equipping frontline health workers with the practical skills needed to use these garments effectively,” Leku said.
Richard Ap Akuku, the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Adjumani, said the initiative reflects Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
“Rotarians exist to serve communities. This project demonstrates our commitment to protecting mothers and newborns through partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Adjumani District Local Government, Medical Teams International and other stakeholders,” he said.
Healthcare workers from Medical Teams International at Nyumanzi Health Centre III welcomed the intervention, saying the garments will significantly improve the management of postpartum hemorrhage among both refugee and host community mothers seeking treatment at the facility.
Polyne Abina, the Refugee Desk Officer under the Office of the Prime Minister and a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Mbarara Ranchers, said the project highlights the importance of partnerships in supporting vulnerable communities.
“We shall continue to lobby for partnerships and resources that benefit both refugees and host communities because they depend on the same health facilities,” Abina said.
Adjumani District LCV Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo described the donation as a major contribution to maternal healthcare in the district.
“With these life-saving devices now available, our health workers are better equipped to respond to maternal emergencies. This is an important contribution towards improving healthcare services in our district,” Ambayo said.
Closing the ceremony, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okware commended Rotary for complementing government efforts to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in refugee-hosting districts.
“Government appreciates partners like Rotary who continue to supplement our efforts in strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in districts that host large refugee populations and share limited resources,” Okware said.
In addition to distributing the NASGs, the project will train healthcare workers on their proper use and strengthen coordination among health facilities to ensure timely referrals for mothers experiencing obstetric emergencies.
Organisers said the initiative forms part of Rotary’s broader commitment to improving community health through disease prevention, maternal healthcare, education, water and sanitation, and economic empowerment, while complementing government efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths across northern Uganda.
