Deputy Speaker Anita Among (pictured) has given the Ministry of Health two weeks to explain how Government intends to curb the incresaing mortality rates in the country.
Among’s directive followed a petition tabled by Sarah Opendi (Tororo Woman MP), saying a number of women are dying at alarming rate, and the situation has been exacerbated by COVID-19 that saw resources diverted to fighting the pandemic.
Opendi. who also doubles as Chairperson Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA), said that UWOPA called on Government to reduce maternal mortality by fulfilling its statutory obligation by providing basic maternal health services to Ugandan women including; prenatal care services, skilled medical officers at health facilities to provide Emergency Obstetric Care and Postpartum Care.
“Maternal mortality is also still a big challenge especially among the teenage mothers who contribute approximately 18% of all maternal deaths. With over 300,000 Teenage pregnancies reported, the maternal mortality is going to increase if government does not intervene to ensure the facilities’ readiness to deliver mothers with dignity and necessary supplies plus health workers are in place,” Opendi said.
Deputy Speaker said that most hospitals don’t have medical personnel, women give birth at home, the hospitals aren’t equipped, the women who are pregnant end up giving birth on the way to hospitals and MPs end up becoming purchasers of ambulances
She added, “When you look at the number that is being talked about and the number of expectant mothers who go to the hospital to give birth and the hospitals still ask them for gloves, plasters, cotton wool, delivery kit, it is a shame. Some of us are fearing to produce because of that. We shouldn’t make child bearing a burden to the population.”
According to the Uganda Demographic Health Survey, the current maternal mortality ratio in Uganda is 336 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
