By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira Regional Referral Hospital has commissioned a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipped with specialised pediatric equipment worth more than UGX 2 billion in a major effort to improve the survival of critically ill newborns in Northern Uganda.
The facility, commissioned by the Ministry of Health with support from Pathfinder Uganda under the EMPOWER Programme, is expected to strengthen neonatal care and reduce preventable newborn deaths at the regional referral hospital.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Senior Consultant Pediatrician in charge of the Newborn Unit, Dr. William Oyang, revealed that at least 250 newborn babies with various medical complications died at the hospital during the 2025/2026 financial year.
He attributed the high neonatal mortality to a shortage of health workers, inadequate supplies of specialised medicines, delayed referrals from lower health facilities and weaknesses in the referral system.
According to Dr. Oyang, the newborn unit currently has only six nurses, a staffing level that is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for neonatal services. He expressed optimism that the new equipment, together with continued support from development partners, will significantly improve the survival of newborns requiring specialised care.
Dr. Oyang also commended Pathfinder Uganda for supporting the hospital through the donation of the specialised equipment.
The Country Director of Pathfinder Uganda, Dr. Rita Wadimba, said the equipment was provided under the EMPOWER Programme, which is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health to strengthen maternal, newborn and child healthcare services.
She explained that the programme supports women from the pre-conception stage through pregnancy and childbirth, with the goal of improving maternal health outcomes and giving newborns a better chance of survival.
The Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Andrew Odur, urged health workers to complement the new investment with professionalism, commitment and accountability, noting that modern medical equipment alone cannot transform healthcare services without dedicated personnel.
He encouraged staff to embrace continuous learning and remain committed to delivering quality healthcare to patients.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Lango, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, called on the public to adopt healthier lifestyles by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and unhealthy eating habits, saying disease prevention begins with individual responsibility.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by religious leaders, health officials from across the Lango Sub-region, community members and representatives of development partners, including Pathfinder Uganda, Seed Global Health and Love Without Boundaries Uganda.
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