Airtel Uganda, the Smartphone Network, donated MAMA kits, basins and baby wrappers (lesus) to pregnant women in Kampala during a brief handover ceremony at the Uganda – China Friendship Hospital in Naguru Kampala.
The handover ceremony was attendedby the Airtel Uganda team led by the Managing Director, Mr. Tom Gutjahr alongside Mr. Christophe Soulet, the Airtel Africa Executive Director – SBU2 as well as community leaders, residents of Kampala district and the Uganda – China Friendship Hospital Staff members.
This initiative comes only a few weeks after the telecommunications companypartnered with the World Health Organisation, Maristopes clinics, Hinds FeetUganda and local health centers to deliver 500 MAMA kits to pregnant women during an Airtel free medical services health camp in Eastern Uganda’s Bugiri district.
Addressing guests at the handover ceremony, Mr. Tom Gutjahr, the Airtel UgandaManaging Director, said Airtel staff members thought it appropriate to spend time with pregnant women within the immediate surroundings of Airtel Offices and share with them items that they will use for and after delivery of their babies.
“We are, once again, honored to play our part in the advocacy for safe delivery and family health care. Uganda is still experiencing over 310 deaths per 100,000 live births and Airtel is committed to ensuring mothers are interested into accessing better antenatal care to prevent complications during pregnancy and child birth through donating items to them that will ensure safe delivery.” he said.
While receiving the kits from Airtel Uganda, the Director of the Uganda – China Friendship Hospital Doctor Edward Naddumba commended Airtel Uganda for their continued efforts in women’s health wellness.
“Airtel Uganda has today given hope to 200 mothers and has stopped them from becoming part of the sad statistics by providing these items.” he said.
Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. From 1990 to 2013, the global maternal mortality ratio declined by 45 per cent – from 380 deaths to 210 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UN inter-agency estimates. This translates into an average annual rate of reduction of 2.6 per cent. While impressive, this is less than half the 5.5 per cent rate needed to achieve the three-quarters reduction in maternal mortality targeted for 2015 in Millennium Development Goal 5.