Neonatal Deaths on the Rise in Kigezi, Health Experts Push for Intensive Care Unit

Dr. Abdon Birungi, the Head of District Health Officers in Kigezi Sub region addressing the issue of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the Kigezi Regional Joint Review Mission (JRM) held at the National Teachers College in Kabale Municipality

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KABALE – Health experts in the Kigezi Sub region are emphasizing the urgent requirement for a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to address the escalating cases of neonatal deaths in the area.

The significance of this issue was brought to light by Dr. Abdon Birungi, the Head of District Health Officers in Kigezi Sub region, during the Kigezi Regional Joint Review Mission (JRM) held at the National Teachers College in Kabale Municipality. The event, spanning two days, is centered on the theme “Invigorating health Promotion and Disease Prevention; My Role, Your Role, Our Roles”.

Dr. Birungi, also the Rubanda District Health Officer, unveiled that the region consistently records between 50 to 150 neonatal cases each month, a dire consequence attributed to the absence of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Kigezi Sub region that could provide crucial services. Dr Birungi revealed that most of the cases registered in the region get referred to Mbarara Regional Referral hospital for medical attention.

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He further identified the chilling weather in the region as a contributing factor to the unfortunate demise of newborns, underscoring the pressing necessity for the establishment of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

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In response, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health Spokesperson, acknowledged the compelling need for a neonatal intensive care unit in the region. Ainebyoona disclosed that plans for a neonatal intensive care unit in every referral hospital are already in motion within the Ministry.

He noted that the Ministry is on the brink of initiating the construction of an expansive intensive care unit at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital that will encompass a dedicated neonatal intensive care facility aimed at significantly curbing mortality rates among newborns.