In a significant boost for healthcare in Uganda, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently organized an event to distribute 235 vital pieces of medical equipment to 36 health facilities spread across 21 districts. This initiative underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to improving Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
The newly delivered medical devices encompass a range of essential equipment, including ultrasound machines, hematology analyzers, microscopes, infant incubators, radiant warmers, delivery beds, oxygen concentrators, resuscitation tools, nebulizers, autoclaves, and more. These tools are set to greatly enhance healthcare services, especially for vulnerable groups such as mothers and children.
During the handover ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William Popp remarked, “The equipment being handed over today will significantly bolster the ability of 36 Ugandan health facilities to provide quality, comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services to approximately 282,000 women and more than 7,000 newborns annually. This includes critical enhancements in surgical obstetrics and the care of small and sick newborns, ensuring that even the most vulnerable receive the lifesaving care they need.”
The medical equipment was funded by the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program, an initiative under USAID that aims to support the acquisition and distribution of advanced medical technologies. This latest contribution is a testament to the U.S. government’s long-standing dedication to health improvements through innovation, which remains a central focus of USAID’s health strategy in Uganda.
Through these efforts, USAID is playing a crucial role in strengthening healthcare systems that are vital for long-term health outcomes in Uganda, particularly to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
