NSAMBYA – Safe delivery remains a key agenda for Uganda. Uganda’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has consistently been one of the highest in the world with 440 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UNICEF’s latest data
Women International Maternal Aid (WIMA), an NGO with a focus on maternal health, in partnership with the British School of Kampala (BSK) and Rotary Club of Kisugu-Victoria View, has, on Tuesday, March 10, donated equipment to Nsambya Police Health Center IV to a tune of 10Million.
Speaking to our reporter, Sedrace Rwekikiga, WIMA Deputy Treasurer, revealed that the funds to purchase of the equipment were raised in a marathon held on December 7, 2019, under the theme safe Child Birth for all.
“In efforts to give to the community while prioritizing maternal health, WIMA, BSK found it fit to boost Police health services with equipment to aid safe delivery,” said Rwekikiga
Commandant of Nsambya Police Barracks, ASP Atuhaire Hope, applauded the partners for choosing the health facility for this great initiative toward safe childbirth.
“A hand in helping mothers is always noble. Receiving this equipment to foster maternal health is something we are not taking for granted because safe child delivery and maternal health has always been a priority,” said ASP Atuhaire.
Why Nsambya Police Health Center IV?
In a November 2019 interview, Veronica Ssempebwa, the vice-chairperson – Women International Maternity Aid revealed why they chose Nsambya Police Health Center IV
“We started the cause three years ago to support maternity centres in the wider Makindye division and as a result, Kisugu KCCA Health Center III and Wentz Medical Center IV – Kawuku have been supported. Given this the facility was serving a greater radius, it was definitely a focal facility,” said a jolly Mrs Ssempebwa.
Rtn. Goretti Masadde, President of Rotary Club – Kisugu-Victoria view (KVV) revealed that the facility handle several maternal and childbirth cases.
“Facility serves over 400 delivery cases and refers about 35 mothers for extensive medical procedures to other referral health centers,” said Rtn. Masadde.
British School of Kampala & Maternal health initiative
Joseph Ajal, member of BSK parents – staff association clarified their connection to the initiative.
“In 2016, one of the teachers died due to childbirth complications. We took the initiative to edify and eulogize her life by fostering the safe childbirth initiative. We have since taken up arms to mobilise our children, parents and members of the community,” said Ajal.
He added: “We are giving forward in appreciation of the services offered at this health facility and equally a moment to interact with police on good terms, “said Ajal sending the guests into laughter.
WIMA Uganda
Bamwanga Goretti, Chairperson WIMA, affirmed their commitment to maternal health and challenged the business community to come on board.
“I am particularly cheered up to engage police health services on this initiative. I was moved by the great level of service offered at the facility for free. This was a turning point and we are privileged to work with the Police Clinic,” said a genial Bamwanga
When engaged to relay WIMA’s course of action, Ms Bamwanga mentioned that the NGO had been in existence for 31 years with a focus to foster maternal health and ushering new life into this world.
“We do this to strengthen the human virtues and values to encourage and inspire generations to come; because it begins with us,” added Ms Bamwanga
She encouraged businesses to support the initiatives for charity as we make a difference and standing with the community.
The representative of the Uganda Police Director of Police Health Services, ASP Livingstone Bagenda, challenged the partners on the initiative to engage others to do the same in efforts to build Uganda.
“We ought to support the development of the nation ourselves. I can affirm that we will make great use of the equipment,” said ASP Bagenda
“We serve police officers that are out there to protect and serve in addition to the vulnerable communities around us for FREE. We appreciate the government for staffing and providing supplies. And I urged partners to also consider equipping the Health centre with a theatre to expedite safe delivery,” said ASP Bagenda
About WIMA
In 1989, a group of lady doctors met with the First Lady, Mrs. Janet K Museveni to discuss ways of tackling the high maternal death rate among women in Uganda.
During this meeting, the First Lady also hosted the spouses of members of the diplomatic corps and business community within Uganda to chart a way forward on this matter. It was from this meeting that WIMA was conceived.
With a vision; Safe child Birth for all, Women International Maternal Aid (WIMA) has, since, supported several health facilities and organisations across Uganda. These facilities include;
Wentz Medical Center IV, Bunga Kawuku Kampala
Kisugu KCCA Health Centre III, Namuwongo Kampala
Kawempe KCCA Clinic, Kampala
Njeru Health Center III, Buikwe District
Kaharo Dispensary, Kabale,
Namakwekwe Maternity Center, Mbale District
Bukova and Kayunga Health Centers, Iganga District
Ajia Maternity Center, Arua District
Virika hospital, Fort portal
Ndejje Health Center
Ngoma Health Clinic, Luweero district
Bubaare Health Center, Mbarara District
Uganda Red Cross Society
