Clare Nayebare
A total of 284 Underweight babies were registered in Kabarole district in a period of January-December 2021.This has been confirmed by Brian Kisembo, the District Health Officer.
He says, that 57 fresh still births were recorded in the same period, attributing the problem to malnutrition of mothers.
Kisembo, also links gender based violence faced by women to be part of the problems. This he says, hinders proper and healthy growing of un born babies.
Hopefully with the new maternity ward in place, our mothers will be coming here to attend antenatal care services,” He stated.
Kisembo said these, while speaking at the commissioning of the shs155m refurbished maternity ward by the Bank of Uganda at Ruteete Health Center III Kabarole district on Friday.
He also wonders why the district is registering a high number of underweight babies when it is a food before noting the need to sensitize people on good feeding.
Marternal & infant healthat risk in Uganda
The deputy governor Bank of Uganda Dr. Micheal Atingi– Ego revealed that Uganda is still performing badly in terms of infant and maternal mortality according to the Uganda Demographic Survey 2016 statistics.
He disclosed that maternal ratio stands at 336 per 100000 live births, neonatal mortality at 27 births 100000 infant mortality at 43 deaths per 100000 and an additional under five years mortality rate 64 deaths per 100000.
Dr.Atingi, says this is alarming, but can be improved by the provision of better health care services.
Christine Kemigabo, the Kabarole district health Educator attributes the issue of low birth weights to malnutrition.
She says, they want all pregnant mothers to ensure feeding on balanced diets whenever they are pregnant.
“They are supposed to eat food rich in nutrition so that they produce a healthy baby,” Kemigabo explained.
MOH reports
According to MOH, In Uganda, 226,000babies are born too soon each year and 12,500 children under five die due to direct preterm
complications.
Low birth rates risk factors
- Short stature among women of childbearing age
- Malnutrition in pregnant Women
- Obesity in women of childbearing age
- Anemia among women of childbearing age
- Hypertension in women
- Tobacco use amongst women
- Adult HIV prevalence
- Violence during pregnancy Adult diabetes prevalence
Government leader’s say on the issue
The Kabarole district Chairman Richard Rwabuhinga, revealed that before the renovation of the maternity ward, Ruteete Health Center was registering over 100 deliveries per month.
Rwabuhinga, notes that the facility is a relief to people in the area and the neighbouring districts of Bunyangabu and Kamwenge.
He commended Bank of Uganda for supporting the sensitive areas of maternal and child care saying the facility will reduce infant and maternal mortality
