MTN, partners to strengthen maternal and newborn care

What the report says

MTN Uganda has launched the 2026 edition of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, with a focus on improving maternal and newborn health in underserved communities across Uganda. The initiative was launched on Aug. 3 at MTN Uganda’s headquarters in Kampala, alongside a free medical camp, and will run until Aug. 21 under the theme “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community,” according to The Independent Uganda.

The company said the campaign will support four public health facilities: Kibiito Health Centre IV in Bunyangabu District, Maddu Health Centre IV in Gomba District, Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District and Karita Health Centre IV in Amudat District. Planned activities include upgrading health infrastructure, training health workers, deploying digital tools, running maternal and child health awareness campaigns and holding community medical camps. MTN also said it will install solar power and water tanks, provide equipment and help improve the neonatal intensive care unit at Karita Health Centre IV.

The report said the effort is being carried out with government and development partners and comes as Uganda continues to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, though rates remain above global targets. State Minister for Primary Health Care Dr. Charles Ayume said more work is needed to address home deliveries and improve emergency care access. MTN MoMo Uganda Managing Director Phrase Lubega said the company sees health partnerships as part of its broader social investment.

The Independent Uganda said MTN Uganda has invested more than Shs7.5 billion in maternal and newborn health over the past decade, reaching more than one million beneficiaries across 36 health facilities in 49 districts.