The supplies were handed over to the Minister of Health, Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye by UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Esperance Fundira during a colorful ceremony at a UN Ware House in Nalukolongo, south of the capital Kampala on June 29.

"The hand-over of this equipment is a significant action towards saving the lives of mothers and their babies in Uganda," said Ms. Fundira. "Let us ensure that the equipment is at the right place, at the right time and in the right hands to help deliver critical health care."

The supplies and equipment which is part of the assistance of UNFPA to the Government to improve reproductive health services consist of delivery beds, delivery sets, hospital beds, cesarean sets, stretchers, screens, wheel chairs, operating tables, theater lights, anesthetic machines, sterilizing units fetal heart monitors, new born resuscitation equipment, infant incubators, long acting family planning sets and post-abortion care sets.

Ninety five health centres in eight districts of Gulu, Arua, Napak, Nakapiripirit, Bundibudyo, Abim, Amudat and Kitgum, will benefit from this support.

Hon. Minister Tumwesigye recognized UNFPA's continued support to improving maternal health in Uganda and reiterated Government's commitment to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

"It is a thorn in the flesh that a woman in the process of giving life ends her own life instead. The Government of Uganda is committed to ensuring that every delivery is a happy one," he said. He also emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to end teenage pregnancy, one of the main causes of maternal deaths in Uganda.

Ms. Fundira applauded the Government on the progress being made to improve the lives and quality of health care at all levels. She specifically pointed out work on the implementation of the Sharpened Plan for Maternal and Newborn Health and the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (CIP).

UNFPA will further support the distribution to the respective districts, hospitals and Health centers.