BY ALEX BALUKU
KASESE, UGANDA – In a heartening display of community resilience and collaboration, Rukoki Health Center IV in Kasese, Uganda, is gearing up for the official commissioning of its newly rehabilitated maternity ward. The health facility is not only refurbishing the maternity ward but also establishing a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to address the medical challenges faced by newborn babies. The commissioning ceremony is set to take place on January 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the healthcare center and the community it serves.
The Martinet Ward, a dedicated section within the health center, is poised to play a crucial role in providing specialized care for pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth. It includes state-of-the-art labor and delivery rooms, postpartum recovery rooms, and other essential facilities. Additionally, the establishment of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit underscores the commitment to addressing the needs of critically ill or premature newborns, further enhancing the healthcare services offered by Rukoki Health Center IV.
The journey to rebuild the maternity ward began after a devastating fire on June 24, 2021, left the facility in ruins. The fire destroyed the main building, which housed crucial services such as a labor suite, antenatal care services, postnatal care services, an HIV/ART clinic, and the maternity ward. The incident left thousands of mothers stranded, highlighting the urgent need for reconstruction and support.
Stepping up to the challenge, Mr. Douglas Saturday Madaraka, the Executive Director of Madaraka Cares, a non-governmental organization focusing on Climate, Gender, and Humanitarian action, played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation efforts. Madaraka Cares operates with a commitment to fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing jobs, skills, and lending support in critical areas.
In 2021, Rukoki Health Center IV sought support from Mr. Madaraka, who responded by providing the health facility with 50 hospital mattresses worth millions of currency. Recognizing the ongoing need for funding, Mr. Madaraka organized the Rukoki Maternity Marathon through Rotary Snow Peaks Kasese in collaboration with other development partners. The marathon, held on March 25, 2023, successfully raised over sh60 million, specifically earmarked for the re-roofing of the burnt maternity ward.
The marathon attracted a diverse group of participants and dignitaries, including the State Minister of ICT and National Guidance, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Wilson Mbadi Mbasu, political figures, NGOs, and community members. The funds raised during the marathon were a testament to the collective commitment of the community to rebuild and restore essential healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking to Rwenzori Daily, Mr. Douglas Madaraka expressed satisfaction that the funds raised during the marathon were effectively utilized for the rehabilitation of the maternity ward. He emphasized the importance of unity in addressing community challenges and drew parallels with the quote from President John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Mr. Madaraka encouraged the people of Kasese to set aside politics, unite, and work together to find local solutions to their challenges.
Dr. Abraham Masereka, the Health Facility In charge, extended his gratitude for the support and renovations done at the health facility. He highlighted the significance of community awareness and urged members to be conscious of their sick neighbors, emphasizing the need for care and support.
The impact of the rehabilitation efforts was palpable as Ms. Gertrude Bakalhania, a caretaker at the facility, expressed appreciation for the donors who contributed to the maternity ward and provided mattresses. She recalled a time when newly delivered mothers and their babies had to sleep under trees on bare ground, underscoring the critical role the renovated facility now plays in providing a safe and comfortable environment.
Dr. Masereka shared that Rukoki Health Center IV delivers more than 300 mothers each month, totaling approximately 3,600 births annually. However, due to inadequate space facilities, about 50 patients, mostly mothers, used to sleep in the open compound, exposing them to additional health risks and property theft.
Highlighting the commitment to community development, Madaraka Micro-Finance, associated with Mr. Madaraka, is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women who lack access to funding build businesses, promoting financial independence among women in the region.
Despite the significant strides in rehabilitation, challenges persist, with Dr. Masereka stating that sh175 million is still required for full recovery. The inadequate space and facilities have led to patients, particularly mothers, sleeping in the open, further exposing them to diseases and security risks.
In an exclusive interview with the State Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kime, it was revealed that besides the Marathon interventions, the government had released sh700 million to the UPDF engineering brigade to construct additional structures at the health facility. The government also plans to elevate Rukoki Health Center IV to a hospital in the next financial year, aiming to enhance healthcare services for the growing population.
Kasese, one of the largest districts in Uganda, comprises 44 lower local governments, including rural sub-counties, town councils, and a municipality. The district’s projected one million people population faces geographical challenges, sandwiched between the rugged Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, with only one public hospital located at the Uganda-DR Congo border.
The collaborative efforts of the community, NGOs, government, and individuals like Mr. Douglas Saturday Madaraka underscore the resilience and determination to overcome challenges and improve healthcare services for the people of Kasese. The rehabilitation of Rukoki Health Center IV’s maternity ward stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of collective action and community engagement.
