Government has admitted that there is a need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to achieve the safe motherhood agenda in the country.

Dr.  Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health while speaking to journalists on Tuesday at the 4th National Safe Motherhood Conference in Kampala, noted that 40 percent of the women are still dying at places of village birth attendants.

According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic Health Survey, the Maternal Mortality Ratio reduced from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births while the infant mortality went from 43 to 34 per 1,000 live births.

Dr. Atwine says that this number is still big for the country and can only be lowered by having all people on board.

The Assistant Commissioner in charge of Reproductive and Infant Health in the health ministry, Dr. Richard Mugahi provided highlights of the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) performance, emphasizing on the financial and geographical barriers which makes expectant mothers delay seeking appropriate care.

The National Safe Motherhood Conference is an annual scientific conference organized by the Ministry of Health and its partners following its launch in 2021 and it has since been held annually.

The conference agenda is to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience for attendees, with a mix of expert speakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

By Ben Musanje

29 Oct 2024

END