Kigezi region loses between 50 to 100 premature babies monthly due to the lack of a Neonatal Care Unit. According to Dr. Abdon Birungi, the Chairperson for the Association of District Health Officers, currently, health workers refer all premature babies from the Kigezi region to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
A neonatal care unit is a place where babies born premature or sick receive attention. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health Spokesperson, acknowledges the challenge, saying that the ministry has plans to establish a General Intensive Care Unit at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital where neonatal services will be included.
By Samuel Amanya
