Mbarara Referral Hospital Friday celebrated World Prematurity Day, honouring preterm champions and highlighting milestones, challenges, and solutions in managing preterm babies.
The event, themed “Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” attracted top officials from the Ministry of Health, Uganda Pediatric Association, and development partners like USAID and Rotary Club.
Dr. Elias Kumba Kumba, Head of Pediatric and Child Health, noted that the hospital has implemented innovative measures to combat preterm deaths, reducing mortality rates from 20% to 6%. This achievement, he said, is attributed to the Ministry of Health’s efforts and support from USAID through the USAID Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Strengthening Activity, which provided essential medical equipment.
Dr Stella Kyoyagala, the hospital’s Head of Neonatal Intensive Unit noted that key interventions include training of NICU staff has enhanced their skills in handling preterm babies. She added that the introduction of Kangaroo Mother Care, supported by the Rotary Club, has also been a game-changer, reducing fatalities by up to 40%.
“Additionally, the provision of medical equipment such as patient monitors, suction machines, and phototherapy machines through the USAID Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Strengthening Activity, Maltaser, and other partners has been instrumental in improving care. These efforts including the extension of piped oxygen to the NICU ward by the government of Uganda are playing a critical role in offering quality services to the children,” she said.
Ms. Irene Atuhaire, one of the mothers shared a heartfelt testimony of her experience with preterm birth. She expressed her gratitude to the hospital staff for their care and support, which helped her child survive after spending several months in the hospital.
Despite progress, the hospital faces challenges, including staffing shortages. Dr Francis Oriokot, Senior Consultant Pediatrician and Deputy Director of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital emphasized the need for specialized staff, including senior consultant neonatologists and nurses.
Dr Oriokot who spoke on behalf of the hospital’s Acting Director, Dr Deus Twesigye urged the government to provide special consideration to the hospital due to its wide range of specialized services.
Responding to the above, Dr Deogratious Migadde, a Senior Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, commended the hospital’s efforts and noted that the government is working to address key challenges hampering quality care services.
Hon. Margaret Rwebyambu, Mbarara District Woman Member of Parliament and member of the Parliamentary Health Committee acknowledged the challenges faced by health workers and thanked them for delivering results. She urged the government to expedite the recruitment of staff to address the prevailing situation.
The event concluded with awards for best performers, including Dr. Elias Kumba Kumba, NICU nurses, and pediatric residents. The hospital’s Public Relations Officer noted that the awards aim to acknowledge and motivate staff.
Annually, out of 1.6 million births, approximately 220,000 babies are born preterm, underscoring the significant challenge that remains to be addressed.
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