Rotary targets Bugerere Health Centre in maternal and child health drive

What the report says

Rotary Club Kampala South says it is focusing its next maternal and child health intervention on Bugerere Health Centre, where it plans to support the facility with equipment and partnerships aimed at improving timely care for mothers, newborns and premature babies. The club says the effort is part of a broader push to strengthen access to quality services in communities that still face gaps in health infrastructure.

The issue was highlighted at the Uganda Media Centre during an event marking 14 years of the club’s work in maternal and child health. Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Charles Olaro, said Uganda has made progress in encouraging facility-based deliveries, with about 86% of mothers now delivering in health facilities, but he warned that shortages in equipment, infrastructure and essential services continue to contribute to preventable deaths.

Rotary Club Kampala South President Franchesca Kakoza said the club has previously supported maternity-related projects in places including Kikandwa, Kamuganguzi, Bushikori Christian Centre in Mbale, St Anthony Bukalagi and Hope Children’s Clinic in Busesa. She said the group is now seeking more support from companies, organisations and individuals, and pointed to ultrasound services and ambulances as important additions for Health Centre IIIs and similar facilities.

The Ministry of Health says it continues working to expand access to essential maternal and child health services. In the same report, it also announced a measles-rubella vaccination campaign due to run from October 1 to 5.