From Struggle to Hope: How a Health Partnership Changed Lives for Mothers and Children in Busoga
A multi-year partnership between the World Health Organization, the Government of Uganda and the Korea International Cooperation Agency has significantly improved healthcare outcomes for mothers, children and adolescents in the Busoga sub-region.
Between 2020 and 2025, the initiative targeted five districts including Bugiri, Buyende, Iganga, Kamuli and Mayuge, where health services had long been under strain due to inadequate infrastructure, limited equipment and low access to essential care.
Backed by a US$10 million investment from the Republic of Korea, the programme focused on strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.
Health officials report notable improvements, including a sharp decline in maternal mortality from 66 to 19.3 per 100,000 live births, and neonatal deaths from 5 to 2.5 per 1,000 live births across 30 health facilities.
The project also saw the renovation of 28 health facilities, installation of rainwater harvesting systems, and construction of five boreholes to improve water access. More than 800,000 people have benefited from improved access to quality healthcare services.
Emergency response systems were strengthened through the provision of seven ambulances, which facilitated over 8,000 referrals between 2021 and 2025, helping to reduce delays in accessing life-saving care.
In addition, more than 400 health workers were trained, while 30 facilities were equipped with cold chain systems to support vaccine storage and emergency care.
The programme extended beyond health facilities into schools, where over 2,700 teachers were trained and more than 11,700 students received sexual and reproductive health education. The initiative has contributed to increased awareness among young people and a reduction in early pregnancies in some areas.
Officials say the project also strengthened district-level leadership and improved the use of data for decision-making, ensuring more efficient and responsive healthcare delivery.
Uganda’s Ministry of Health has praised the initiative for aligning with national development priorities and contributing to the reduction of maternal deaths in the region.
WHO Representative Dr. Kasonde Mwinga described the programme as a foundation for long-term improvements in primary healthcare, while KOICA Country Director Jihee Ahn reaffirmed continued support for Uganda’s health sector.
Local communities have also reported significant improvements, citing cleaner facilities, better access to services and increased confidence in the health system.
With stronger systems now in place, stakeholders say the gains made in Busoga are expected to continue benefiting communities, offering renewed hope for improved health outcomes across the region.
