By Ritah Atukwatse,
MBARARA
Care International Alumni in Bushenyi district have extended support to the family of six babies in Sheema district.
The group which involves former employees of Care International, both in Uganda and those staying in the diaspora donated items including powdered milk, clothes, diapers among others to the couple at Holy Innocents Children’s hospital in Mbarara on Sunday.
Speaking to the media shortly after the donation, Grace Birabwa Isharaaza, the group leader said the donation is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility to reach out to the needy and vulnerable persons in community as Care International Alumni.
“We have come together as a group to continue in an organized way to contribute to society the same way we used to contribute when we were still working with Care,” she said.
She added that they reached out because they care about the wellbeing of others, stating that the support is a way of showing and giving dignity to the babies and their family.
Musa Mukundane, Care International Alumni expressed the urgent need for support to the parents who he said that still need both financial and psycho-social support.
“The man is going through such a difficult time when it comes to financial issues. He is also psychologically tortured because he spends a lot on buying milk, diapers and other items required to look after the babies.” Mukundane said.
“These will support the family for some few days as they go through financial stress. Yes, they maybe happy because of these donations, but I know what they are experiencing financially.”
The six babies including five boys and one girl were born prematurely on Good Friday and have been receiving neonatal care at Holy Innocents Children’s Hospital, Mbarara. On Friday, the hospital management announced that the babies had been discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and were transferred to the General Ward pending final discharge to home.
Dr. Micheal Kyewalyanga, a pediatrician at the hospital told Parrots Media that the babies are off the oxygen and are breathing and feeding regularly without any complications.
“They are out of the most dangerous period and are steadily gaining weight. Currently, the babies are off oxygen, and feeding regularly,” Dr. Kyewalyanga, said.
The father, Vincent Tumwesigye commended the Care International for their kindness, noting that the donated items are a relief to the family financial burdens.
