Midwives in Pader urged to foster love and unity in service delivery

18 December 2025, 9:28 am

By Okwong Geoffrey

Midwives in Pader District have been urged to promote love and unity among themselves and towards their clients as a foundation for improving maternal health service delivery.

The call was made during the second phase of the Midwifery Dialogue organised by the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB), held on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the district health boardroom in Pader District headquarters.

Angela Adriko, a midwife at Atanga Health Centre III, acknowledged that although midwives face heavy workloads, it is essential to carry out their duties with love at the forefront.

Adriko emphasised that love should not only be extended to patients seeking services at health facilities but also to fellow midwives. She cautioned against undermining colleagues through bickering and unhealthy competition.

She further warned midwives against negative external influences from other departments, noting that stress arising from heavy workloads can lead to adverse perceptions that may ultimately affect them professionally.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Michael Ojok, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), observed that change does not happen overnight.

Responding to challenges raised by midwives, Dr Ojok advised that issues should be channelled through the appropriate mechanisms to the relevant authorities for proper handling. He also emphasised the importance of having backup arrangements in health facilities, particularly when a midwife is on leave, to avoid service gaps when expectant mothers seek care.

Justine Ocen, the Secretary for Health at Pader District Local Government (PDLG), advised midwives to avoid relying on propagandist views if they wish to work peacefully.

Ocen encouraged midwives to disregard false accusations and continue doing the right thing, adding that some disputes among midwives reflect political propaganda, which is sometimes deliberately fabricated.

Reiterating the need to improve service delivery in Ogom Sub county, the District Health Officer (DHO), Beson Oyoo, called for the proper utilisation of available medical equipment, urging health facilities not to leave functional equipment unused.

The meeting was attended by staff from the Pader District Health Department, representatives from the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB), and midwives from both government and private health facilities across the district.