The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Former World Champions Dorcus Inzikuru and Speaker Rebecca Kadaga joined hundreds of runners Sunday who turned up to raise millions to support the work of Mildmay Uganda.
When Kadaga flagged off Inzikuru and several runners in the 2, 5 and 7 km event categories from Kololo, the target was to raise up to sh500 million to close the gap in childcare.
The run, fully backed and sponsored to the tune of sh10million by KCB Uganda Bank, aims at creating awareness about pre-mature baby births in Uganda.
“By running and exercising you are taking care of your health and wealth so it is a win-win situation for everyone. Health in the communities in which we operate is very fundamental to as a brand,” Edgar Byamah, MD KCB Bank Uganda said.
Prematurity is the leading cause of most deaths in babies today as over 14% of Ugandan babies are born prematurely – that is 37 weeks of pregnancy.
According to Mildmay Uganda, premature births contribute 25% of all
neonatal deaths in the country.
Currently, Mildmay Uganda has one incubator and yet women are giving birth to twins and triplets. “Right now, we need at least five incubators to support all the pre-mature births. Mildmay Uganda will need to raise over 500 Million.” Dr. Karamagi Yvonne from Mildmay said.
Mildmay Uganda, a Christian-based not-for-profit organisation providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and other health priorities.
“As a brand, we are proud to be partnering with Mildmay Uganda because we believe that healthy and empowered citizens grow the economy. Actually, we were very excited to take part in the run and to support this very urgent cause,” Diana Komukama, Manager Marketing and Communications, KCB Bank Uganda.
Speaker Kadaga urged expectant mothers to prioritize regular antenatal check-ups at hospitals across the country. A similar run will be held next year with the same theme.
