Mbale City
Every day, 16 expectant mothers lose their lives in Uganda, according to the Ministry of Health. This heartbreaking statistic highlights a critical issue plaguing the nation’s healthcare system. In Mbale District, Dr. Jonathan Wagisi, the District Health Officer (DHO), has been at the forefront of addressing this crisis. He recently shared insights into the challenges mothers face and the progress made over the years.
Dr. Wagisi explained that many of these tragic deaths occur under preventable circumstances. Some mothers die on their way to the hospital due to a lack of transportation, while others lose their lives in healthcare facilities because of delays in receiving timely medical attention. "It’s devastating to see mothers lose their lives simply because they couldn’t reach a hospital in time or because of delays in treatment," he said.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Over the past decade, Mbale District has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates. Dr. Wagisi proudly noted that in recent years, the number of mothers dying during childbirth has drastically decreased. "In the past 10 years, we’ve seen a remarkable improvement. Now, it’s rare to have more than one maternal death in a year, and some years we record none at all," he shared.
This progress, according to Dr. Wagisi, is the result of concerted efforts by healthcare workers, community leaders, and government initiatives. Increased awareness campaigns have encouraged more mothers to seek hospital care during pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, improved training for healthcare providers has ensured better handling of emergencies.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Wagisi emphasized that more needs to be done. He called for increased investment in ambulances to ensure that mothers in remote areas can access healthcare facilities quickly. "Transport remains a major challenge. Many mothers live far from hospitals, and without reliable ambulances, their lives are at risk," he said. He also urged for continued awareness campaigns to educate expectant mothers about the importance of hospital deliveries and prenatal care.
Dr. Wagisi’s message is clear: while progress has been made, the fight to end maternal mortality is far from over. By addressing transportation barriers, improving healthcare infrastructure, and fostering community awareness, Mbale District—and Uganda as a whole—can save more lives and ensure that no mother has to die while giving life.
