The Ministry of Health has highlighted the urgent need for more funds to ensure preterm babies have access to surfactant, a critical drug that aids lung development. Each baby requires two doses, with each dose currently costing Shs1 million.
Speaking at the National Prematurity Day commemoration in Mbarara on Thursday, Dr Richard Mugahi Adyeeri, Commissioner for Reproductive and Infant Health, noted that the high cost of surfactant remains a major barrier for families.
“One of the most disturbing challenges for our mothers is accessing surfactant,” Dr Mugahi said. “When I visited Mbarara’s NICU, I saw firsthand that this life-saving drug is unaffordable for many Ugandans. Each dose costs Shs1 million, and two doses are required for full treatment.”
Dr Mugahi emphasized that partnerships with companies like Bless Pharmaceuticals, which has agreed to provide surfactant at Shs700,000 per dose in collaboration with a Canadian company, should be fully leveraged to improve access.
“As a ministry, we are committed to saving all Ugandans, especially newborns and preterm babies, who we are celebrating today,” he added.
Dr Erias Kumba Kumba, head of paediatrics at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, underscored the intensive care preterm babies require.
“Babies born before term face serious challenges, from breathing difficulties to weak immune and heart systems. Many spend 30 days or more—sometimes up to three or four months—in our units,” he said.
“This year’s theme, ‘Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Brighter Future,’ highlights the need for heavy investment in their care to ensure they grow into healthy adults who contribute to our human capital,” Dr Kumba Kumba added.
Statistics show that Uganda records about 1.7 million deliveries annually, of which roughly 225,000 are preterm.
While mortality rates for these babies have been declining, Dr Kumba Kumba warned that without sustained investment, many preterm infants will continue to face life-threatening challenges.
“Fortunately, our interventions are starting to bear fruit. More preterm babies are surviving and growing into adulthood, but prematurity remains a significant public health challenge,” he said.