Napak, Uganda: Panic has gripped the people of Napak district following the continuous deaths of malnourished babies at Matany Hospital in Napak district due to the lack of nutritious milk.
According to the Matany Hospital administration, in a period of six months, eight babies have died, while many others are on the verge of death due to the absence of nutritious milk. Dr. Deusdedit Kateregga, Medical Superintendent at Matany Hospital, informed this publication that the hospital receives between 4 to 5 babies every day.
“The situation is dire right now, and we don’t know what will happen in the next few months,” he said.
Dr. Kateregga mentioned that they are trying to produce some milk using local methods, such as mixing milk, flour, and sugar, but he stated that it is not sufficient.
This publication learned that UNICEF managed to procure an assortment of nutritious milk early last year, which was cleared by URA without any tax. However, it was impounded by UNBS, who has since demanded payment of revenue before releasing it.
Brother Gunther Nahrich, the hospital administrator, stressed that urgent help is needed to save the lives of babies in Karamoja. He noted that the situation is exacerbated by the current food shortage caused by drought in the Karamoja region.
Matany Hospital, founded by the Catholic Church in the 1970s, used to receive support from foreign NGOs, including the Italian CUAMM. However, in 1996, it faced a financial crisis and began lobbying for financial assistance from the government. In 1997, the hospital received PHC grants from the government of Uganda.
