In the heart of Uganda’s Mount Elgon Region, a hospital is reducing the newborn mortality rate. Interventions like Kangaroo care — skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant — have helped reduce the numbers from 52% in 2014 to 20% in 2025.

The Mbale Regional Referral Hospital admits over 350 small and sick babies every month. Sometimes, the neonatal unit accommodates over 60 babies at a time, well beyond capacity. Limited space and few CPAP respiratory machines available at the hospital are a challenge.

To reduce the neonatal mortality and the influx of sick babies,  Mbale Regional Referral Hospital has received a baby bus from donors. The bus moves to high-volume district hospitals and health centers to review their preterm patients and train health workers in neonatal care.