MTN Uganda is stepping up its contribution to maternal and newborn healthcare through its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, using digital technology, employee volunteering and partnerships to strengthen services in underserved communities.
The 2026 campaign, launched on August 3 at MTN Uganda’s headquarters in Kampala with a free medical camp, is running until August 21 under the theme, “Expand Equitable Health for Every Community.”
The initiative targets four public health facilities: Kibiito Health Centre IV in Bunyangabu District, Maddu Health Centre IV in Gomba District, Kiyunga Health Centre IV in Luuka District and Karita Health Centre IV in Amudat District.
MTN Uganda said the interventions will include improving health infrastructure, equipping facilities, training health workers, expanding digital health services and conducting maternal and child health awareness campaigns and community medical camps.
At Karita Health Centre IV, the company will support improvements to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, install solar power systems and water tanks and provide essential medical equipment.
The campaign will also train medical records officers in the Electronic Medical Records Information System, equip Village Health Teams with digital skills through the Maendeleo Foundation and expand access to maternal health information through Zuri Health.
Communities will also receive financial literacy training through MTN MoMo.
Persistent gaps
The campaign comes as Uganda continues to reduce maternal and newborn deaths but remains short of global health targets.
According to figures cited by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio has declined to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, from 336 about a decade ago.
Despite the improvement, the rate remains significantly above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Neonatal mortality also remains a concern, at 22 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with the SDG target of 12.
Teenage pregnancy further complicates maternal health outcomes, with nearly one in four girls aged 15 to 19 either pregnant or already mothers. Teenage pregnancies are associated with significant health risks for both mothers and newborns.
MTN MoMo Uganda Managing Director Phrase Lubega said technology and partnerships can help address some of these challenges.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. That commitment goes beyond connectivity. It is about leveraging our people, platforms and partnerships to improve lives and create meaningful impact,” Lubega said.
He said MTN has invested in Y’ello Care for two decades, with 1% of its annual revenue supporting corporate social investment programmes.
“It is critical for us to have healthy communities because they are the people we serve,” he said.
Public private action
The campaign has also received support from government and development partners, who say improving maternal healthcare requires coordinated action beyond the public health system.
State Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr Charles Ayume, said 86% of mothers now deliver in health facilities, but the remaining 14% who deliver at home or with traditional birth attendants still require attention.
He said government has expanded health infrastructure, including more than 380 Health Centre IIIs, while additional investment in Health Centre IVs is needed to improve access to emergency maternal care.
“The delays we must address are distance, institutional readiness and community mindset. Partnerships like this strengthen our capacity to provide timely and dignified care,” Ayume said.
A UNFPA representative said Uganda had reduced maternal mortality by more than 40% over the years but stressed that sustained private sector investment would be important in closing remaining gaps.
Paul Muganwa, representing the Corporate Society for Safe Motherhood, also called for collective action.
“If we do not all contribute to improving health in Uganda, the gaps will remain,” he said.
MTN Uganda says it has invested more than Shs7.5 billion in maternal and newborn health over the past decade, supporting 36 health facilities across 49 districts and reaching more than one million beneficiaries.
