Kampala, Uganda, 12 September 2019 -  MTN Foundation in partnership with UNFPA and the Ministry of Health have today briefed the media on the progress of the plans to implement maternal health projects with funds collected from the 2018 MTN Kampala and Regional marathons. The funds are being used to complement efforts by the Ministry of Health to improve service delivery in 5 Health Centre IV facilities across Uganda.

MTN Foundation allocated a total of Ushs 1.33 billion. The funds will be used for the refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labour-wards of five Health Centre IVs that include: Muyembe HC IV in Bulambuli district, Pakwach HC IV in Pakwach district, Kalangala HC IV in Kalangala district, Karugutu HC IV in Ntoroko district and Kawempe Women and Children Hospital in Kampala.

In the last five years, Uganda has made significant improvement in the reduction of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) that now stands at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the UDHS 2016.

“This is a significant improvement compared to the previous ratio of 438 deaths per 100,000 live births,” said Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health.  “This investment towards improving health infrastructure and supplies, including lifesaving medicines and equipment will enhance the provision of quality services and subsequently contribute to the reduction of maternal and newborn morbidities and mortalities.”

The General Manager Corporate Services at MTN Uganda, Ms. Enid Edroma said: “We are concerned about the high maternal mortality rate that we see in our country, together with our partners, have committed to support the government of Uganda in extending such services to the communities where they are needed most.”

“The funds for this investment, Ushs 600 million  is part of the proceeds from the MTN Kampala Marathon 2018, the other half is a top up from the MTN Foundation, all together totaling to Ush.1.33 billion,” said Ms. Edroma. “We expect to make more investment towards this cause with proceeds from the 2019 edition of the MTN Marathon season.”

“By investing in maternal health, MTN Foundation is indeed demonstrating that partnership with the private sector can be a game-changer in achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, especially when they bring on board their capacity for innovation and ability to rapidly scale-up new solutions,” said Mr. Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative. “UNFPA is proud to engage in this kind of partnership with MTN Foundation and the Ministry of Health to create shared opportunities, leveraging each partners’ added value to actualize interventions to achieve universal sexual and reproductive health and rights, reduce maternal death and improve the lives of adolescents and youth.”

The official commissioning of all the MTN marathon projects from the previous year will take place on 21^st November, 2019 at Kawempe Women and Children Hospital and will be presided over by Huawei, who together with the MTN Marathon sponsors will ensure the scheduled handovers. This will be happening as a lead-up to the launch of the 2019 MTN Marathon season that kicks off with the regional runs in Soroti, Arua, Masaka and climax with the 2019 MTN Kampala Marathon on Sunday 24^th November 2019 at the Kololo Independence Grounds. The projects are being executed by UNFPA and the Ministry of Health.

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Note to the Editor

• Proceeds from the MTN Kampala Marathon (Ush. 600m) and a top up from the MTN Foundation, all together totaling to Ush.1.33 billion were earmarked to fund the refurbishment and equipping of theatres and labor-wards of five Health Centre IVs across the country
• The project will be implemented through the MTN Foundation and executed in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health.
• The MTN Kampala Marathon is sponsored by MTN together with its partners Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Mineral Water.
• MTN Foundation refurbished and equipped maternity wards of up to eight health centres across the country in the just concluded MTN Uganda 20th anniversary celebrations.

For more information, please contact:

Ministry of Health

• Emmanuel Ainebyona, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Health emmabyoona@gmail.com  or 077 922 0588

MTN Uganda

• The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or

Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

• Prossy Nakanjako Jonker, Communications Specialist UNFPA nakanjako@unfpa.org  or 077 261 5319