By Andrew Irumba
Kampala:MTN-Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) Uganda, on Thursday revealed how they are to use the billions of money collected in last year’s MTN marathon campaign that focused on promotion of better health care in Uganda.
Officials from MTN Uganda revealed this while briefing the media during a joint presser at the Health Ministry offices in Kampala about the progress of the plans to implement maternal health projects with funds collected from the 2018 MTN Kampala and Regional marathons.
The funds are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda.
MTN Foundation allocated a total of Shs1.33Bn to the cause.
The funds will be used for the refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labour-wards of five Health Centre IVs that include: Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district and Kawempe Women and Children Hospital in Kampala.
In the last five years, Uganda has made significant improvement in the reduction of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) that now stands at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the UDHS 2016.
“This is a significant improvement compared to the previous ratio of 438 deaths per 100,000 live births,” said Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, at the presser.
“This investment towards improving health infrastructure and supplies, including lifesaving medicines and equipment will enhance the provision of quality services and subsequently contribute to the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidities and mortalities,” Aceng added.
The General Manager Corporate Services at MTN Uganda, Enid Edroma said: “We are concerned about the high maternal mortality rates that we see in our country. Together with our partners, we have committed to support the government of Uganda in extending such services to the communities where they are needed most.”
“The funds for this investment, Shs600m is part of the proceeds from the MTN Kampala Marathon 2018, the other half is a top up from the MTN Foundation, all together totaling to Shs1.33 Bn ,” said Ms. Edroma. “We expect to make more investment towards this cause with proceeds from the 2019 edition of the MTN Marathon season.”
