NICU Baby Tabitha

Born at 29 weeks, 6-year-old Tabitha is a testimony of resilience and the efforts of the Bwindi Community Hospital pediatrics ward, specifically the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

"I used to hear about premature babies but had never experienced having one. When my wife came for a check-up at 7 months of pregnancy, they said she had eclampsia, and that we had to stay in the hospital for a safe delivery," narrated Humphrey Niwagaba, Tabitha's father.

Tabitha's parents spent only 72,000 Uganda shillings ($19 U.S.) for the care in the hospital because they were in the hospital insurance scheme; eQuality Health Insurance Bwindi

"I am grateful to BCH for taking care of my baby. She is now a healthy 6-year-old. We almost gave up, but the nurses encouraged us to be firm. Our girl is a baby born too soon, she is a survivor," he added.

Humphrey and other parents came to Bwindi Community Hospital during the world prematurity day celebrations at the paediatrics ward where the NICU staff celebrated the babies who have gone through the department over the years.

By Elizabeth Namara