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Stanbic Bank has partnered with Adjumani Hospital to spearhead a campaign to eradicate maternal mortality in the West Nile subregion. This initiative, announced during the bank’s October L.O.V.E Month, underlines the dedication of both the hospital and Stanbic Bank to strengthen the quality of healthcare for vulnerable communities.
Adjumani Hospital, ranked third among 63 government general hospitals by the Ministry of Health, has become a ray of hope in the region.
Despite its 100-bed capacity, the hospital handles over 250 admissions and 450 outpatient cases daily, serving a population that includes 250,000 South Sudanese refugees living in 19 settlements.
At a donation ceremony at the hospital, Stanbic Bank provided essential maternal health equipment valued at UGX 18 million. The donation included a modern oxygen concentrator, patient transportation stretcher, pulse oximeter, laryngoscope set and advanced medical devices such as an ECG machine, digital BP monitors and four Patient beds.
During the event, Damoni Kitabire, Stanbic Bank Uganda Board Chairperson, expressed his gratitude emphasizing the importance of giving back to communities during October, which the Bank recognizes as the L.O.V.E month, dedicated to supporting and empowering societies.
“This initiative is not just about providing equipment, it is about ensuring that mothers and children in this district have access to quality healthcare, which is vital for their well-being and future,” he stated.
Kitabire added, “Just in October, Stanbic Bank has undertaken interventions worth UGX 114 million to Northern Uganda. We Started in Terego district (Tuku Health Center), donated Items worth UGX 26m, went to Madi Okollo, (Okollo Health Center), and gave items worth UGX 26m. Through a partnership with MTN Uganda, Stanbic also has extended support worth UGX 32m to set up a state-of-the-art Solar system at Ariwa Secondary School in Yumbe district”.
Michael Ojja, the senior administrator of Adjumani Hospital, echoed the importance of the hospital’s recent ranking in motivating the staff and management to strive for excellence. “Making it to the top three works as our inspiration for serving locals and the refugee community in Adjumani and the neighbouring districts,” Ojja stated.
He noted that maternal mortality cases have significantly decreased from 12 to just 4 annually, and with the support of partners like Stanbic Bank, they are optimistic about achieving their target of zero maternal deaths. Annually, the hospital handles approximately 4,693 antenatal visits and 3,243 deliveries, of which 29 result in stillbirths.
The proximity of Adjumani to South Sudan has led to a persistent influx of refugees, many of whom are pregnant women seeking safe childbirth options amidst the upheaval caused by displacement. In response, the hospital has adapted its services to cater to the specific needs of these vulnerable populations.
Dominic Drametu, the Adjumani District Health Officer (DHO), praised Stanbic Bank for its philanthropic efforts. He acknowledged the critical need for enhanced maternal health services, particularly in light of the ongoing refugee crisis in the region.
“We are so grateful to Stanbic Bank for choosing our district. I want to pledge our commitment to ensuring that every mother who comes through our doors receives the highest standard of care, to eliminate maternal mortality,” said Drametu. He expressed confidence in the hospital’s ability to provide better resources and care to its patients.
Sam Mwogeza, Executive Director of Stanbic Bank Uganda, addressed the audience, reflecting on the bank’s commitment to community empowerment. “When the bank’s regional leadership conducted a needs assessment for this hospital, we were all touched during the brief. We then agreed that we should all travel to Adjumani and witness the unsung medical heroes saving lives in hard conditions. We celebrate you!” Mowgeza stated.
He emphasized that Stanbic Bank will continue to donate to communities and support the government in equipping health facilities, recognizing that economic development is not possible in communities where people are not healthy. “You can bear me witness that besides giving life, taking care of homes and families, women also double as the key drivers of economic development,” he remarked.
Mwogeza also highlighted the bank’s broader initiatives aimed at driving inclusive socio-economic transformation, including programs like Stanbic4Her, which provides affordable credit to women in business, and support for young entrepreneurs through the Stanbic National Schools Championship and Business Incubator. “All this you have heard is just the beginning! Our ambitious agenda is aimed towards driving Uganda’s growth through empowering our people,” he concluded.
Besides the donations in West Nile, the Stanbic October L.O.V.E month campaign 2024 also reached more health facilities countrywide including the Wakiso district-based Gem Foundation, Kawala Health Center in Kampala, St Benedict Butende – Masaka, Katakwi General Hospital, Kyatiri health centre – Masindi, Rusekere Secondary School – Fort portal, Butalango Health centre III and Wakyato Health centre III in Nakaseke district.