Neonatology project

The neonatology project is one of four projects being run by a partnership between Region Stockholm, Jinja City, Uganda, the Ugandan NGO Busoga Health Forum and PHI. The partnership is being funded by International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) until 2025. The project strives to establish routines for training, coaching and mentorship in neonatal medical and nursing practices, infectious disease control, and respiratory and nutritional support. A baseline assessment on the quality of neonatal care was conducted in Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and Iganga Hospital in 2021, and some areas in need of improvement were identified. These have been used to direct the project's activities, including the development of training modules. The project holds regular seminars (online), workshops and job shadowing to improve newborn care. A repeat assessment will be performed at the end of the project, to allow a before and after comparison.

The Neonatal team from Jinja completed a highly successful clinical exchange at the Neonatal Department in Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm in November 2023. The exchange included formal meetings with unit leaders and, notably, extensive clinical exercises focused on priority areas—previously identified as crucial within our collaboration—such as immediate care for newborns, optimal neonatal nutrition, and infection prevention. Their successful visit to Sweden also included engagements with the microbiology laboratory, pediatric pharmacist, neonatal follow-up clinics, and representatives advocating for children’s rights.

The mutual exchange in PHI´s activities helps us reach our goals faster and more effectively by deepening our understanding of each other’s settings and knowledge. The strong personal relationships formed during these weeks of exchange serve as the cornerstone for long-term sustainability.