Rotarians come to the help of expectant mothers in Buikwe

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The Makonge Health Centre III at the Kiyindi landing site, Buikwe district, is better run than most centres of its size. Established in 1994, but became fully operational in 1996, it currently has a 28-bed capacity serving over 1300 people per month, and operates 24 hours a day.

But, like any other Health Centre, it has challenges, which include rampant malaria cases and sexually transmitted diseases, a lack of mama kits to adequately cover their antenatal clinic, which serves over 250 mothers monthly, a lack of drugs for the NCD clinic, and rampant teenage pregnancies.

During a scouting mission in October for club hospitality, members of the Service Projects Committee of the Rotary Club of Lugogo-Mango Tree paid a courtesy visit to the centre. They were taken around the facility by the In-Charge, Ms Justine Mugabi.

Hellen Kisakye takes expectant mothers through training on the safe use of Maka Kits donated by the Rotary Club of Lugogo-Mango Tree to Makonge Health Centre III at the Kiyindi landing site, Buikwe district, last Saturday. (PHOTO BY KALUNGI KABUYE)

Afterwards, the Rotarians promised to offer some help, in phases, to cater for the most pressing needs.

Last weekend, when they went for the club hospitality at the nearby Mountain Inn Resort, the Rotarians fulfilled their promise as they delivered 70 mama kits to the Health Centre.

“These kits include essentials like surgical blades, gauze, and cord ties to help ensure safe deliveries,” said the Vice President and President-elect, Jenny Mugasha. “We recognise the tireless efforts of healthcare workers and the challenges you face as mothers in our communities.  We are committed to making a difference, one kit at a time. We hope these kits will bring joy, comfort and peace to the new mothers and their families.”

About 20 expectant mothers who were present were later taken through a training on the safe usage of the Mama Kits.