Story by Twesigye Aggrey
The Ministry of Health has launched a ten-day nationwide campaign aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting safe childbirth practices.
The campaign was officially flagged off on Monday at Mbarara University of Science and Technology’s Pharmacology Theatre by Agnes Chandia Baku, the Commissioner in Charge of Nursing. She urged midwives to prioritize patient-centered care to protect the lives of mothers and newborns.
Dr. Musa Kayondo, head of obstetrics and gynecology at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), highlighted a decline in maternal deaths during childbirth, dropping from 72 in the 2022/23 financial year to 49 in 2023/24. He also noted a reduction in newborn deaths, which fell from 495 last year to 361 this year.
The ten-day campaign, conducted under the theme “Safe Birth for Healthy Mothers and Babies: A Shared Responsibility,” aims to raise awareness and enhance safe delivery practices nationwide.
