Health ministry moves to end unsafe abortions

By Caroline Ariba

The health ministry and partners have come up with standards and guidelines on reducing maternal morbidity and mortality from unsafe abortions in Uganda.

The document, signed off by Director General Health Services, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, was produced with a soul purpose of delineating a clear way forward on ending unsafe abortions.

In the preface, Dr. Aceng writes that; "A woman with unintended pregnancy is entitled to compassionate and non-judgmental care."

Speaking to journalists at the lunch of the guidelines which took place at the Kampala Sheraton hotel recently, Dr. Charles Kiggundu a senior gynecologist called it a much needed move.

"The country spends 7.5 billion shillings annually treating complications from unsafely performed abortions," he said. Despite this, Dr. Kiggundu said that many chose to look the other way or fight any positive interventions.

Dr. Anthony Mbonye during the launch. PHOTO/Caroline Ariba

"When we say sex education, you say no. When we say contraceptives, you say no. When we say safe abortions, you say no. So what do you want?" the passionate doctor wondered. He then added that even if the health workers wanted to help, society seems to have made a ruling on what they ought to do.

"So these guidelines will come in to clarify who can do what and when and basically guide the health workers on their mandate," he said.

Dr. Anthony Mbonye, the commissioner of health services at the health ministry, said that all the necessary training will then be done to ensure health workers understand the guidelines. "We shall be conducting sensitisational trainings of all health workers regarding their mandate when it comes to abortion issues," he said. He agreed with Dr. Kiggundu that the much needed policy should be a go to for health workers when faced with a dilemma.

The document is split into four parts; part one strives to prevent unsafe abortion, part two discusses the management of un-intended and risky pregnancies, part three explores post abortion care and four is all about audit, monitoring and evaluation. It then states that it is the ministry's responsibility to ensure the implementation of these guidelines.

However, all stake holders are ordered to support the guidelines as a must. "All stake holders must do their part to support the spirit of this document," it states.

Dr. Caroline Tatuwa, from Ipas Africa, a regional organistaion with a foot in reproductive health and rights, applauded the ministry and partners for a job well done.

"Policies like this will go a long way in curbing unsafe abortions that contribute a large chunk to maternal mortality and morbidity," she said