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Dr. Evelyn Nabunya
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT - The Executive Director of Mulago Specialized Women & Neonatal Hospital, Dr. Evelyn Nabunya, has announced that the government has officially started offering fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) at the facility. Dr. Nabunya revealed that 11 IVF stimulations have already been carried out, with two women currently pregnant following the procedure.
Dr. Nabunya made the announcement during her presentation of the hospital’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper to Parliament’s Health Committee. She detailed some of the hospital’s recent achievements, stating, “We have already conducted a total of 11 stimulations. Six embryo transfers have been done, and five embryos are currently frozen as preparations continue. Of the patients, two are still pregnant, though unfortunately, two clinical pregnancies were lost. However, we remain optimistic as our team continues to deliver this life-changing service.”
Neonatal care successes
Dr. Nabunya also highlighted the hospital’s significant progress in neonatal care over the past six months. She noted that the facility handled 858 neonates, with survival rates varying based on birth weight and other conditions: Preterm babies weighing below 1kg: 59.1% survival rate, Babies between 1–1.4kg: 79.4% survival rate and Babies between 1.5–2.4kg: 87.3% survival rate.
“Our smallest surviving baby was born at just 24 weeks, weighing 500 grams. That child is now a healthy 2.5-year-old, thriving thanks to the vigilance and expertise of our team,” Dr. Nabunya shared. She added that early detection and treatment of complications like retinopathy of prematurity (which can cause blindness) have been crucial in improving outcomes for preterm babies.
Expanding organ transplant services
In related developments, the Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, revealed plans to expand the hospital’s organ transplant services by launching liver transplants in April 2025. Dr. Byanyima emphasized the importance of funding for critical medicines and supplies to ensure the success of these advanced medical procedures.
“If we are to prevent patients from having to purchase their own medications, we need a budget of Shs101 billion. Currently, we receive Shs18.256 billion, which forces us to prioritize critical cases and ask others to buy their own medicines,” Dr. Byanyima explained. She urged Parliament to ensure that the hospital receives adequate funding in the upcoming budget.
Dr. Rosemary Byanyima
A commitment to excellence
Both Dr. Nabunya and Dr. Byanyima underscored the importance of government investment in healthcare to improve services and patient outcomes. With the introduction of IVF, advanced neonatal care, and plans for liver transplants, Mulago continues to position itself as a leader in specialized healthcare in Uganda.
