Stanbic Bank and Rotary Unite with Shs600 Million for Maternal and Child Health

Stanbic Bank Uganda and Rotary Mama Toto Care Uganda have joined forces in a significant Shs600 million, three-year initiative designed to bolster maternal and newborn health services throughout Uganda. The collaboration will see Stanbic Bank contribute Shs200 million annually to support vital interventions carried out by Rotary’s Mama Toto Care program.

This program works in tandem with the Ministry of Health to enhance public health facilities and elevate the standard of care provided to mothers and newborns. The partnership’s signing took place at Stanbic Bank’s Learning and Development Centre in Kampala.

Stanbic Bank’s Executive Director, Paul Muganwa, emphasized that maternal health is an economic imperative. He stated that preventable maternal deaths impact families, communities, and the overall productivity of the nation, hindering Uganda’s ambitious economic growth targets.

Rotary District 9211 Governor, Dr. Gerald Obai, highlighted the critical role of collaboration in tackling maternal mortality. He remarked that addressing this challenge requires a united front from businesses, communities, and development partners, as neither the government nor Rotary can solve it alone.

Magezi Ndamira of Rotary Mama Toto Care Uganda explained that the program, initiated in 2022, focuses on women of reproductive age and the healthcare professionals serving them. The initiative aims to strengthen existing government health facilities by providing training for healthcare workers, essential equipment, and community mobilization efforts to promote antenatal care and safe deliveries.

Diana Ondoga, Stanbic Bank’s Manager for Corporate Social Investment, noted that this partnership aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the collaboration, stressing that improving maternal health necessitates coordinated action that extends beyond government efforts.

The three-year partnership is set to fund facility upgrades, health worker training, an “adopt-a-health-centre” model, and community outreach to encourage antenatal care and safe childbirth practices.