Empowering Mothers: Join the Fight for Maternal Health in Uganda
By Manuel Padilla
Maternal health remains a significant challenge for the global community, particularly in developing nations like Uganda. Defined as the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, maternal health should ideally be a positive experience that ensures both mothers and their babies can achieve optimal health and well-being.
Despite notable progress over the last two decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. This statistic underscores the urgent need for improved maternal health services worldwide.
The direct causes of maternal mortality include excessive blood loss, infections, high blood pressure, unsafe abortions, and obstructed labor. Indirect causes such as anemia, malaria, and heart disease also contribute significantly to maternal deaths. Fortunately, many of these complications are preventable with timely intervention from skilled health professionals in supportive environments. Globally, the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel has increased from 58% in 1990 to 81% in 2019. However, despite a 38% decline in deaths from complications during pregnancy and childbirth over the last two decades, the pace of progress remains insufficient. The WHO aims for a global maternal mortality ratio of less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
In Uganda, the situation is particularly concerning. Although there has been an overall improvement in the utilization of maternal healthcare services, the maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births. This statistic reflects the broader trend in Sub-Saharan Africa, which continues to bear the highest rates of maternal mortality globally. In fact, nearly half of all maternal fatalities from pregnancy-related complications occur in this region, highlighting the inequitable and oppressive conditions that contribute to these tragic outcomes. Maternal mortality is not just a health issue; it is a pressing human rights concern.
Research indicates that approximately 80% of maternal deaths and 66% of neonatal deaths worldwide could be prevented by ensuring access to quality maternal healthcare services, particularly during childbirth and the first week of life. In Uganda, strengthening access to comprehensive maternal care presents a unique opportunity to avert many of the direct causes of maternal mortality.
To address these challenges, organizations like the PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) are making significant strides in improving maternal health in Uganda. Based in Fort Portal Tourism City, Kabarole District, PLANE has launched initiatives such as the “Empowering Ugandan Girls, Enriching Futures” program. This initiative focuses on providing sexual and reproductive health education, mentorship, and training to young girls, tackling the pressing issues of teenage pregnancy and limited access to healthcare.
In conclusion, while Uganda faces significant challenges in maternal health, there are promising efforts underway to improve the situation. By enhancing access to quality healthcare services and empowering women and girls through education and support, Uganda can work towards reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to experience a safe and healthy pregnancy. The path forward requires a collective commitment from government, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize maternal health as a fundamental human right.
References:
Batist, J. (April 7, 2019). “An intersectional analysis of maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa:
A human rights issue. National Library of Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6551548
Sserwanja, Q., Mukunya, D., Nabachenje, P., Kemigisa, A., Kiondo, P., Wandabwa, J. N.,
Musaba, M. W. ( February 24, 2022). Continuum of care for maternal health in Uganda: A
national cross-sectional study. National Library of Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8870527/.
World Health Organization [WHO]). (n.d.). Maternal Health. World Health Organization.