Tayari News
The Mama Toto Care Global Grant, launched by Rotary International President Francisco Arezzo, is set to transform maternal and newborn healthcare across Uganda. Valued at US$500,000 (approximately UGX 1.8 billion), the initiative aims to improve delivery outcomes, strengthen neonatal care, support malaria elimination and polio eradication, and expand blood and bone marrow transplant services—bringing life-saving treatment closer to communities.
The launch took place at Kawempe National Hospital, the country’s busiest maternity facility, delivering approximately 22,000 babies annually. President Arezzo emphasized that Rotary’s work goes beyond statistics, focusing on the families and futures behind the numbers.
“Behind Uganda’s disease burden statistics is a family and a future at risk,” Arezzo said. “Bringing curative treatment closer to home will reduce financial hardships for families and strengthen Uganda’s healthcare capacity.” Highlighting the importance of specialized care, Arezzo described the development of new bone marrow transplant centers as “symbols of hope” that will provide critical treatment locally.
The initiative complements existing Rotary projects, including the Oxygen for Life program, and is expected to significantly enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes while supporting ongoing health interventions across the country. Uganda’s Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, praised the project, noting the country’s high maternal needs.
With a national fertility rate of 4.5 children per woman, Uganda welcomes roughly 1.5 million babies annually. “Having this project here is extremely critical,” Dr. Aceng said. “It comes to save lives so that every mother can walk home with a baby.” During his visit, President Arezzo also toured the Jjanji polio immunization site, a landmark of Rotary’s 20-year commitment to disease eradication in the region.
Rotary District Governors, Godfrey Martin Kitakula (District 9213) and Christine Kawooya (District 9214), described the President’s visit as a “strong endorsement” of Uganda’s humanitarian efforts. They noted that the impact of these projects extends beyond hospitals, highlighting the Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University, which equips young leaders with conflict-resolution tools.
The presidential tour will conclude with a membership gala dinner celebrating milestones achieved under Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and galvanizing support for sustainable development initiatives in East Africa.
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