The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has received a cash boost of $4.4 million (about Shs 16 billion) from the Government of Sweden to support Uganda's COVID-19 humanitarian response and efforts towards the continued delivery of essential health services for pregnant and breastfeeding women, newborns, young children, and adolescents.
The new funding will target beneficiaries in the districts of Iganga, Isingiro, Kampala, Kamuli, Kasese, Mbale, Wakiso, Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Obongi, and Adjumani from July 2020 to June 2021.
Ever since the country went into total lockdown in March following the confirmation of Uganda's first coronavirus case, many women and children have missed out on much-needed health care, including maternal and newborn care, vaccinations, HIV medications, and nutrition services, exposing them to heightened danger.
"Few things could be more important right now than supporting people's health...It is extremely important that antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, along with different levels of emergency care – especially for pregnant women and premature or sick newborns – are accessible to all who need them" said the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Per Lindgärde.
"Supporting essential health services also means providing health workers with protective gear and infection-prevention supplies and ensuring that they have the knowledge needed to safely provide services during the epidemic," Lindgärde added.
Unicef representative in Uganda, Dr Doreen Mulenga said the funding is very timely and that the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening to undo some of the most significant gains for children and women in Uganda, greatly impacting their lives.
"Unicef will continue to support the Government of Uganda in addressing the most pressing needs of children and women, while targeting those who are most vulnerable and those in hard-to-reach areas," she stressed.
Mulenga emphasized that "it is time for unity, a time to bring everyone together in solidarity. We can help save lives by making sure that every pregnant mother receives the support she needs to give birth safely in the months to come."
Unicef has partnered with the Swedish Embassy since 2017, focusing primarily on improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services in West Nile.
The latest funding will help Unicef with its overall emergency response and support for essential health services across 18 districts. An estimated 900 health workers in 241 health facilities are set to benefit and will be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in infection prevention and control of the coronavirus.
The funding will also help ensure that an estimated 1,000 mothers receive care for maternal complications and newborn care services, and that 85,000 people will have access to water, sanitation and hygiene services. Risk communication and community engagement through media and safer gatherings will reach a significant proportion of all community members in the supported districts.
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