Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, has saidt the number of pregnant women attending official health centres has risen to 1.6 million annually, representing 86% of expectant mothers.
However, he said, 200,000 pregnant women (14%) still rely on traditional birth attendants, posing risks to both maternal and infant health.
Dr. Olaro noted that these improvements have significantly reduced the Maternal Mortality Rate from 550 per 100,000 to 186 per 100,000. To further enhance access to healthcare, the government has constructed and equipped 400 Health Centre IIIs and trained 5,000 community health extension workers to bring services closer to communities.
Dr. Richard Muhagi, commissioner for Reproductive and Child Health, announced that the ministry has organised the 5th Annual National Safe Motherhood Conference, themed “Strengthening Multisectoral Collaboration and Mutual Accountability for Safe Motherhood.”
Dr. Muhagi stated that the conference will unite healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Uganda through discussions, innovations, and partnerships.
He said 10% of girls aged 19 and under in Uganda become pregnant and give birth, contributing to an increase in school dropouts and, in some cases, mental health challenges post-delivery.
