Rotarians take action to fill Kalangala’s health gaps

In a bid to improve maternal health services in the island district of Kalangala, Rotarians have volunteered to build a Shs80 million maternity ward at Mulabana Health Center II.

The infirmary, which will have three beds, an infirmary and a pantry, is being built with resources from supporters and members of the Rotary Club of Kalangala Ssese Islands, the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands and the Rotaract Club of Kampala Ssese at the University of Ndejje.

Launching the construction works last Tuesday, David Tuhayirwe of the Rotary Club of Kampala Ssese Islands said the needs assessment revealed that the health center serves six densely populated landing sites.

“Pregnant women have traveled more than seven kilometers from the facility to Bwendero Health Center III to seek health services and medicines that are not available at the facility,” he said.

Annet Asiimwe, acting head of Mulabana Health Center II, said there are staff who can help mothers give birth safely, but they lack space and equipment.

Willy Lugoloobi, a Rotarian and former Kalangala district president, said it has always been the district’s role to empower lower health facilities for better service delivery.

“When 7pm arrives, the district is closed and we cannot cross to another. This led us to advocate for a district hospital and capacity building of lower health facilities so that we could resolve all health-related issues internally,” he said.