“A newborn’s first minutes are critical. Access to warmth, oxygen, functional equipment and skilled health workers can make the difference between life and death,” she said.
Mukono General Hospital has recorded 117 newborn deaths over the past six months, raising concern among health officials and exposing critical gaps in neonatal care at the busy facility.
Mukono District Health Officer, Dr Stephen Mulindwa, attributed the high number of deaths to a shortage of essential medical staff, particularly the absence of a paediatrician.
“I am not saying that if we had a paediatrician no baby would have died, but when babies die without a specialist around, it raises serious concerns,” Dr. Mulindwa said.
He added that once recruitment begins, priority will be given to hiring a paediatrician, noting that the Ministry of Public Service has already approved the position and wage structure.
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Dr Mariam Ajiambo from the Ministry of Health noted that while Uganda has made progress in reducing maternal mortality, neonatal mortality remains a challenge.
“At some point we stagnated at 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, but I am glad the figure has now dropped to 22 per 1,000. However, according to the Sustainable Development Goals, we should reach 12 per 1,000 by 2030,” she said.
In response to the crisis, the hospital has received a modern Level II neonatal care unit funded by Save the Children, aimed at improving survival rates among premature and critically ill babies.
According to the hospital superintendent, Dr Geoffrey Kasirye, the facility had operated without a dedicated neonatal care unit since its upgrade in 2020, despite handling more than 200 premature births every month.
“This facility delivers about 900 mothers every month, which translates to roughly 30 deliveries per day,” he said, attributing the high number of premature births to infections such as malaria, urinary tract infections and syphilis, as well as complications like pre-eclampsia and premature rupture of membranes.
The new neonatal unit — the first of its kind at the hospital — was funded by Save the Children at a cost of sh185 million. Before its construction, the hospital improvised by converting an X-ray room into a neonatal care space.
“In the improvised unit, we faced challenges such as poor ventilation and high temperatures, but we had to start somewhere,” Kasirye said.
Following an assessment by Save the Children, the district administration and hospital board agreed to refurbish a staff housing unit into a fully equipped neonatal care facility.
Kasirye noted that previously, out of about 200 monthly admissions, at least nine babies were referred to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, while an average of seven deaths were recorded.
“Despite the limitations, we have been serving a purpose and saving lives,” he added.
Dr Kenneth Kigoonya, the in-charge of maternal and child health, said the new unit now meets World Health Organisation standards and is equipped with essential life-saving equipment, including incubators, CPAP machines, phototherapy units and oxygen systems.
He added that Save the Children also trained and mentored health workers — including doctors, nurses and midwives — to effectively operate the facility. Digital tools such as PRISMS and simulation devices for newborn resuscitation have also been introduced.
The unit has a capacity of 15 beds, although demand remains high, forcing some babies to share.
Kasirye revealed that the hospital is currently operating at only 35 percent of its required staffing level, placing immense pressure on health workers and affecting service delivery.
Dr Ajiambo commended the new unit, noting that Mukono General Hospital remains one of the busiest facilities in the central region despite its limited infrastructure.
She also revealed that the Ministry of Health is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the hospital to improve service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of Save the Children, Rachel Hopkins said the organisation is committed to ensuring every child has a healthy start to life.
“A newborn’s first minutes are critical. Access to warmth, oxygen, functional equipment and skilled health workers can make the difference between life and death,” she said.
The upgraded neonatal unit, which includes an oxygen manufacturing system, is expected to serve Mukono District and surrounding areas, as the hospital handles more than 10,000 deliveries annually.
One of the beneficiaries, Doreen Jemba Mukisa, said she nearly lost hope after delivering a premature baby at seven months.
“It was my first child, and I had no experience. I am grateful to the health workers who supported me. My daughter is alive today because of them,” she said.
