The Urgent Need for Pediatric Care in Uganda
Healthcare delivery in Uganda faces severe systemic challenges. Limited access to modern equipment, critical workforce shortages & inadequate facilities mean many patients cannot receive the care they need. As a result, illnesses that are easily treated in well-resourced settings can become life-threatening.
These gaps are especially devastating for children. Nearly half of Uganda’s population of 50 million is under the age of 16, while the pediatric population is expected to double in the next 25 years.
Even more surprising, fewer than half of Ugandan children currently receive the minimum medical care required. Without timely investment in expanded healthcare facilities & improved service delivery, these disparities will continue to worsen, placing millions of children at risk.
The Reality of Care at Mengo Hospital
Mengo Hospital operates under severe constraints in staffing, space & medical equipment. Fragile infrastructure including water, power & oxygen systems further strains the hospital’s ability to deliver consistent care. Emergency services are especially limited, with insufficient ICU capacity & restricted access to specialized care.
These gaps are most visible in pediatric services. As Uganda’s youth population continues to grow, existing pediatric care cannot meet demand. Currently, there is no dedicated children’s hospital in Kampala capable of providing comprehensive diagnosis & treatment, forcing families to navigate multiple clinics without coordinated medical oversight. This process is costly, confusing, and often delays critical care.
Mengo Hospital Partners works alongside hospital leadership and pediatric specialists to strengthen capacity where it is needed most. By bridging urgent resource gaps through trusted collaboration, we are helping expand Mengo Hospital’s ability to deliver timely, life-saving care to children and families.