First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni revealed Uganda’s intention to construct state-of-the-art hospitals at the district level, akin to the Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital (MSWNH). Hosting spouses of heads of state and governments as part of the summit’s sideline activities, Ms. Museveni shared insights into Uganda’s maternal and newborn health initiatives, showcasing the MSWNH facility, financed through a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).
Among the distinguished guests were Mignon Bowen Philips from Guyana, and Desire Mpfubusa, a technical advisor from Burundi. The first lady of Equatorial Guinea was represented by Justino Obama and Josefa Nsa, the country’s vice minister of Health and director of Health Representative at Quanalupe Clinic, respectively.
In a statement conveyed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Ms. Museveni outlined the government’s plan to replicate the MSWNH model at the district level, extending quality healthcare even to lower tiers of health access. The initiative encompasses bolstering the number and capacity of health workers through district-led training, support supervision, and mentorship, coupled with ensuring well-stocked health facilities for comprehensive service delivery.
Highlighting the impact of the MSWNH, Ms. Museveni pointed to a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births, as per the 2022 Uganda Demographic Survey. She expressed determination to further decrease these numbers, emphasising the prevention of maternal deaths during childbirth and pregnancy.
Motivating health workers emerged as a crucial aspect of the plan, with Ms. Museveni underscoring the potential for local solutions when workers are adequately motivated. The removal of health system bottlenecks at all levels is a key focus to improve coverage of priority interventions and reduce resistance to recommended practices, she noted.
Addressing concerns about staffing, Dr. Evelyn Nabunya, the executive director of MSWNH, urged the government to meet staffing needs to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. Despite staffing challenges, the hospital remains a beacon of hope for women’s reproductive health in the region.
The hospital, known for its specialized services, caters to adolescent girls, offers assisted reproductive technologies, conducts reconstructive surgeries, and provides dedicated clinics for menopausal women. Dr. Nabunya highlighted the hospital’s commitment to cutting-edge innovations through research and teaching, producing highly skilled specialists to serve the nation.
