Refurbished Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Commissioned at Kawempe Regional Referral Hospital

The Minister of Health Dr Ruth Aceng together with Mr Alan Sibenalar, the United Nations Population Fund representative and the MTN Uganda CEO Mr Wim Vanhellepute have commissioned the newly refurbished Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kawempe Referral Hospital.

Dr Ruth Aceng said the unit will go a long way in giving babies who are born prematurely, or with complications improved and quality health outcomes.

She also advised health workers to focus more on educating mothers on family planning.

The project was supported by various partners including MTN Uganda, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Uganda, United Nations Populations Fund (UNPF), Plan International Uganda among others.

Mr Sibenalar, the UNPF country representative noted  that through investing in maternal health, MTN Foundation is demonstrating partnership with the private sector and this can be a game-changer in achieving the SDGs Agenda 2030, especially when they bring on board capacity for innovation and ability to rapidly scale-up new solutions.

“Driving sustainable ideas, innovation and financial investments will ensure no one is left behind,” he added.

It should be noted that through UNPF Uganda, MTN foundation allocated Shs 1.3 billion towards supporting the refurbishment and equipping of theatres and maternal wards of 5 health centres.

These include Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district,  Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Packwach  HC IV in Packwach district, Kalangala HV IV in Kalangala district and Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district.

It should be noted that neonatal mortality contributes 45% of overall deaths among children less than five years in Uganda and such units are some of the measures employed by the Ministry of Health to reduce the incidences.