Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | During the system’s inauguration, facility officials highlighted its role in supporting mothers and newborns during delivery by providing oxygen.
Dr. Violet Birungi, the Head of Health and Nutrition at Save the Children, explained that the oxygen manifold system would significantly simplify the work of healthcare workers. Previously, they had to transport multiple oxygen cylinders to each baby and replace them as needed.
The oxygen manifold system, in contrast, consolidates gases from various cylinders at a central point and delivers them to patients through a single pipeline, making distribution more efficient. Birungi noted that this system now serves the labor suite, neonatal children’s clinic, the theater, and the ward.
Kisenyi Health Center IV plays a vital role in child delivery, with monthly statistics indicating over 800 births.
However, Save the Children donors emphasized the importance of government maintenance for the equipment. They cited instances where items and projects broke down due to a lack of upkeep and called for KCCA to allocate a budget for maintaining the oxygen manifold system.
Jesca Nsubgwa Sabiti, the Commissioner for Child and Maternal Health at the Ministry of Health, praised the development and highlighted the need for facility expansion to reduce congestion, especially since over 70 percent of neonatal mortality is attributed to various complications.
The annual Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response report for 2020-2021 revealed that Kampala had the highest number of perinatal deaths in the country.
Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director of KCCA, stressed the importance of proper equipment maintenance and urged the Directorate of Public Health and Environment to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply through routine maintenance and expansion within the budget framework.
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