USAID Boosts Ugandan Healthcare with Donation of 235 Medical Devices to Improve Maternal and Child Health Services

Beyond immediate medical support, this USAID initiative is also intended to strengthen Uganda’s health infrastructure for long-term resilience.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has distributed 235 vital medical devices to 36 healthcare facilities across 21 districts in Uganda. This significant donation aims to enhance maternal and child health services, offering a critical lifeline to thousands of women and children in rural and underserved communities. The equipment, which includes ultrasound machines, haematology analyzers, microscopes, incubators, radiant warmers, and oxygen concentrators, is expected to transform healthcare delivery by improving diagnostic capabilities and supporting emergency care.

The handover event underscored the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Uganda in strengthening healthcare systems, with U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, Ambassador William Popp, highlighting the direct impact this equipment will have on communities. “The equipment being handed over today will significantly bolster the ability of 36 Ugandan health facilities to provide quality comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care services, reaching approximately 282,000 women and more than 7,000 newborns annually,” stated Ambassador Popp. He further emphasized that the donation will provide essential support for complex surgical obstetrics and neonatal care, enhancing the treatment of small and sick newborns, and improving survival rates in critical cases.

The contribution, funded by the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program—a USAID initiative focused on delivering state-of-the-art medical technologies—demonstrates the U.S. government’s sustained commitment to health advancement in Uganda. Over recent decades, USAID has invested in initiatives that prioritize the well-being of Ugandan communities, with a particular focus on reducing maternal and child mortality rates. This contribution is a tangible example of USAID’s strategy to utilize medical innovation as a foundation for improving healthcare in low-resource settings.

Additionally, USAID is partnering with local health institutions to provide ongoing training for health workers, ensuring they have the skills to effectively operate the new medical devices. This capacity-building approach focuses on both clinical and management training to foster compassionate, high-quality care across the country. Ambassador Popp emphasized that training is a cornerstone of USAID’s strategy, as properly equipped and skilled healthcare providers are essential to the longevity and effectiveness of these healthcare interventions.

Beyond immediate medical support, this USAID initiative is also intended to strengthen Uganda’s health infrastructure for long-term resilience. Through investments in medical technology and human capital, the United States is helping to build a foundation for sustainable healthcare improvements, particularly for mothers and children who are among the most vulnerable populations.

With this latest initiative, USAID continues its mission to improve health outcomes in Uganda by promoting access to essential healthcare services and fostering a collaborative framework with local health authorities. This substantial contribution of medical equipment, combined with targeted training, will empower Ugandan healthcare providers to meet the needs of their communities, contributing to a healthier and more resilient Uganda.