Ministry of Health celebrates maternal health gains, experts call for action

21 October 2025, 5:09 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Uganda has made significant progress in improving maternal health, with maternal mortality dropping from 336 to 109 deaths per 100,000 live births per year—one of the best records in Africa, according to the Ministry of Health. Officials attribute this achievement to deliberate government investment in infrastructure, human resources, and community health systems.

Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said Uganda’s focus on safe motherhood is yielding results.

“Currently, 86% of mothers deliver in health facilities, thanks to the government’s investment in 420 new health centres commissioned this year. Our goal remains 100% skilled birth attendance—no mother should die giving life,” Dr Olaro emphasised during a press briefing in Wandegeya ahead of the Safe Motherhood Conference.

He revealed that antenatal attendance for the first visit stands at 97%, though only 68% of expectant mothers complete all four recommended visits.

“That 3% gap represents thousands of women who miss vital care. Many report late in pregnancy, which prevents early detection and management of complications,” he explained.

Dr Olaro underscored that safe motherhood is a collective responsibility.

“The Ministry of Agriculture must ensure good nutrition, the Ministry of Gender should empower women and end gender-based violence, and the Ministry of Water must guarantee safe access to clean water. Religious and cultural leaders should fight child marriages, while the media must drive awareness to help save mothers’ lives,” he said.

Dr Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, noted that teenage pregnancy remains a persistent challenge at 24%.

“Early pregnancies lead to high blood pressure, mental complications, and post-delivery disabilities. We are also tackling sickle cell disease, which continues to affect many families. We advise couples to undergo sickle cell screening before marriage—if both are carriers, it is better to reconsider to prevent giving birth to children with the condition,” he said.

Dr Mugahi added that the Ministry conducts mandatory health tests during pregnancy to detect such risks early and ensure timely intervention.

Speaking ahead of the 5th National Safe Motherhood Conference and Expo, scheduled for 22–24 October at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme ‘Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Collaboration and Mutual Accountability for Safe Motherhood’, Dr Mugahi said the event will review progress, share evidence from across the country, and renew national commitment to maternal and newborn health.

Dr Douglas Aki-bua, Health and Nutrition Specialist with Save the Children, said the organisation is supporting the Ministry of Health in 25 districts.

“We focus on capacity building, mentorship, data use, and providing health workers with the right tools to strengthen the quality of care and reduce maternal and newborn deaths,” he explained.

Juliana Lunguzi, Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator at UNFPA, reaffirmed UNFPA’s partnership with Uganda in advancing maternal and newborn health.

“We are proud to have supported the government through the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Report and the supply of life-saving commodities. We continue to strengthen emergency obstetric care and support midwives, who are central to safe deliveries,” Lunguzi said.

She urged the media to highlight the positive contributions of midwives and health workers.

“Too often, we focus on negative incidents, yet thousands of midwives save lives daily. Let’s celebrate them as champions of Safe Motherhood,” she added.

The conference will also recognise individuals and institutions championing maternal and newborn health, including journalists who have played an active role in promoting Safe Motherhood.