The unveiling of Luwero Hospital’s newly equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has brought immense joy to women in the area.
On a monthly basis, Luwero Hospital witnesses the delivery of approximately 350-370 babies, with 15% (55) requiring neonatal care services. Until recently, premature babies were redirected to Kiwoko Hospital in Nakaseke district, situated 14 kilometers away, which only has 38 beds dedicated to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Last year, Luwero Hospital initiated the establishment of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Initially constrained by limited space and equipment, the unit began with a single baby warmer and two adult beds for admissions.
Dr. Gloria Nakalema, a pediatrician at Luwero Hospital, expressed concern about the insufficient bed capacity, leading to five babies sharing one bed, increasing the risk of infections.
Now, Luwero Hospital has designated a spacious area on the second floor of a newly constructed building for the NICU. Thanks to the support from the Adara Development Organization, the hospital has received essential equipment, including baby warmers, baby coats, oxygen concentrators, and incubators, to cater for premature babies.
The hospital is now capable of accommodating 30 babies simultaneously, with six dedicated nurses overseeing the unit.
Madeline Vaughan, CEO of Adara Development Organization, mentioned a significant investment of over 200 million for remodeling and equipping the new ward. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, facilitating nurse training and equipment maintenance to reduce newborn mortality. Vaughan revealed plans to replicate Neonatal Intensive Care units in ten hospitals nationwide over the next decade.
Sylvia Nafuna, a mother from Kiyenje zone, shared her relief after delivering a 7-month-old baby, knowing she would be admitted to the new NICU free of cost until the baby reached full term.
Florence Nalweyiso, another mother, highlighted the improved conditions in the new NICU, providing ample space for both mothers and babies.
Local authorities, represented by Erastus Kibirango, the LC 5 Chairman of Luwero district, pledged increased funding for the unit, ensuring stable power and water supply to maintain uninterrupted services.
In the past six months, at least 435 babies have received neonatal care services at Luwero Hospital, and this number is expected to double with the introduction of the newly equipped ward.