Mayuge, Uganda – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda and other partners, have commemorated World Health Day.
The commemoration was held on Monday at Baitambogwe Health Centre III in Mayuge District under the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focuses on improving the survival and well-being of women and babies.
At the function the Acting Director General of Health Services Dr. Olaro Charles expressed gratitude to the organizers for choosing the Busoga region, which faces significant health challenges.
Olaro confirmed that Bisoga region has higher-than-average maternal and infant mortality rates, with 93 deaths per 100,000 live births and 28 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively.
He added that the region struggles with low family planning adoption among women of reproductive age and high teenage pregnancy rates.
“Busoga region has high maternal and infant mortality rates, with 93 deaths per 100,000 live births and 28 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. The region also struggles with low family planning adoption (28.6%) and high teenage pregnancy rates, contributing to increased maternal morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Olaro noted.
In recent years, Uganda has made progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates nationwide.
Between 2016 and 2022, maternal mortality declined from 336 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, and under-five mortality dropped from 64 to 52 per 1,000 live births.
The Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners are working together to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
These collaborative efforts aim to create a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system, ultimately improving the health and well-being of Ugandans.