By Enatu Steven
The number of pregnant mothers who visit health facilities for antenatal services in Kapelebyong district has been dropping as their pregnancies progress.
In a report for the financial year 2023/2024, shared with officials from the World Health Organization today during the Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response review meeting, 5488 mothers visited health facilities for the first time seeking antenatal services. In comparison, only 1418 visited during the first three months of their pregnancy, showing a decline in visits.
In a press statement shared with this radio station by the district communication officer, Emmanuel Opio, 3051 deliveries were successfully registered in all the health units, with one maternal death occurring during childbirth. Regarding perinatal deaths, the district registered 5 fresh stillbirths, 6 macerated stillbirths, and 5 deaths of newborn babies. Perinatal mortality refers to stillbirths plus early neonatal deaths (under 7 days).
Opio noted that the district has pledged to improve health service delivery to its community. He attributed the statistics of deaths to challenges such as low staffing, with the district’s health staffing standing at 58% and no specialist in their health center IV, coupled with frequent stock-outs of essential drugs and medical supplies like blood.
He urged mothers and their husbands to always visit health facilities for antenatal services to ensure the birth of healthy babies. A Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system is a continuous cycle intended to prevent future maternal deaths by learning from previous deaths.
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 rate went from 43 to 34 per 1,000 live births.
According to the World Health Organization, out of 100,000 new births, only 77 result in mortality.