Kampala, Uganda C-Care Uganda is stepping up efforts to raise awareness about the importance of neonatal care, highlighting the lifesaving potential of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The initiative focuses on early medical intervention, family-centered support, and specialised maternal care for preterm infants.
This commitment was reaffirmed as C-Care Uganda joined the global community in marking World Prematurity Day under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The event, held at the C-Care Mother & Child Centre in Kampala, brought together doctors, nurses, parents, and media partners to honour the resilience of premature babies and to spotlight the critical role of neonatal services.
Dr. Miriam Musinga Mutero, General Manager at C-Care IHK, noted, “Prematurity is not merely a medical condition; it is a family journey. Our teams at the NICU walk alongside parents every day, combining skill with empathy to ensure each baby grows stronger, one breath at a time.”
Dr. Sheba Nahurira, Head of the Pediatric Department at C-Care Uganda, added, “Every newborn deserves a fair start. When a baby arrives too soon, every minute counts. Our NICU and Mother & Child Centre were designed to ensure that no baby’s chance at life is left to chance. C-Care’s investments in neonatal technology and training were guided by one principle: access to quality care at birth should not depend on geography or circumstance.”
Globally, about 15 million babies are born preterm each year, with complications from prematurity contributing to nearly 1 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organisation. These figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen neonatal care and support systems.
During the event, parents shared moving testimonies of how their babies survived prematurity with the help of the NICU. Guests toured the Mother & Child Centre, viewing advanced neonatal equipment and spaces designed to support both infants and mothers in their earliest, most fragile moments.
One parent, Bakita Josephine, shared, “When my daughter arrived too soon, I was terrified and had lost hope. But the team at C-Care became our family. They guided us, comforted us, and gave my baby a fighting chance. Today, she’s healthy and thriving because of the care and hope we found here.”
Since 2017, C-Care Hospital has supported around 703 premature infants. These numbers highlight the importance of raising awareness about preterm births and the need for continued investment in neonatal care. With the right support, every child has the potential to thrive. Together, the community can ensure that every baby receives the care they deserve.