Rotary Rubaga addresses the maternal health crisis in Kampala.

"We are grateful to have saved the lives of so many Ugandans"

At the peak of the COVID19 pandemic, the health system tilted its bias and resources to fight the spread of the lethal corona virus. All other medical needs in the sector felt the pinch and among them was the maternal health arm of the medical system. The standard operating procedures that among other things limited movement made it difficult for expectant mothers to access antenatal care or medical attention when at the time of childbirth.

According to Burt, Ouma & Lubyayi who undertook a study on the indirect effects of COVID19 on maternal, neonatal, child, sexual and reproductive health services in Uganda, the number of antenatal attendances significantly decreased while the number of complications such as eclampsia, neonatal deaths and stillbirths increased. While the COVID prevention measures went a long way in saving lives and limiting the spread of the virus, they had far-reaching implications on maternal health.

During this period, there were reports of an expectant mother who together with her unborn child died on their way to hospital and six mothers and two babies dying during the lockdown. The Rotary Club of Rubaga, Kampala, heard the reports and was moved to provide an ambulance for mothers due for childbirth in Kikajjo zone.

"The problem during the COVID-19 pandemic was that mothers were failing to make it to maternal health centres during the lockdown," Betty Mwesigwa, the club's previous president said. She added that Rotary Rubaga was inspired to act after discovering that two mothers had given birth by the roadside. "We are grateful to have saved the lives of so many Ugandans," she added.

According to Claire Zulkey, one Rotarian who works in the tour and travel sector had a vehicle that could easily be converted into an ambulance. The club donated funds for the modifications and hiring the ambulance driver and provided masks for the passengers.

The Rubaga Kampala Rotary Club has been deliberate and proactive in improving maternal health in Kampala. This was much-needed assistance, to which the club aspires to continuously contribute.

More of the story can be found here: https://www.rotary.org/en/help-on-wheels-uganda

Image courtesy of Rotarian magazine