Lira, Uganda | Lira Regional Referral Hospital has received Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipment worth Shs350 million from Pathfinder International, with support from the United Kingdom Government, in a move aimed at improving newborn survival and quality of care.
The donation was officially received on Saturday, January 31, 2026, by the hospital management led by the Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur.
The equipment includes oxygen blenders, mechanical ventilators, stationary baby cots with mattresses, neonatal patient monitors, and other critical items required for specialised newborn care.
Hospital officials said the donation will significantly strengthen the facility’s capacity to manage premature babies and newborns with complications.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr Odur applauded Pathfinder International and the Ministry of Health for selecting Lira Regional Referral Hospital as one of the beneficiary facilities across the country.
“This equipment comes at a critical time when demand for neonatal services is increasing. It will greatly enhance the quality of care we provide to newborns, especially those requiring intensive medical support,” Dr. Odur said.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital serves patients from the Lango Sub-region and neighbouring districts, and health experts note that improved neonatal care infrastructure is vital in efforts to reduce newborn mortality in northern Uganda.
The donation is part of broader efforts by government and development partners to strengthen maternal and child health services in public health facilities nationwide.
