13 midwives awarded for dedication to saving lives

______________________

Thirteen midwives from across Uganda have been recognised and awarded for their dedication to saving the lives of mothers and their babies.

The awards, now in their eighth year, started in 2015 through the Midwives4All campaign, in collaboration with UNFPA and the health ministry. On the night of October 28, 2024, the awards celebrated not just the individuals being awarded, but all midwives who give their all daily across Uganda.

The winners were selected through a national nomination process, with district, regional and national committees involved in choosing the best.

Swedish ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson, who hosted the awards ceremony at her residence in Kololo, Kampala, said the awardees represent the pinnacle of excellence in midwifery.

Swedish ambassador to Uganda, Maria Håkansson. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

“You are role models—not only for your colleagues but also for the next generation of midwives who will look to you for inspiration and guidance,” she said.

For being on the frontlines, often under extremely challenging circumstances, bringing life into the world while keeping mothers safe and being the beating heart of healthcare in Uganda, the Midwives were celebrated.

The ambassador underscored that the average midwife in Uganda delivers more than twice as many babies as the World Health Organisation recommends which speaks volumes about resilience, dedication and skill.

Maracha's strategy

One of the awardees, Robinah Atizuyo, from Maracha district said they surpassed their target of delivering mothers by 15%.  

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

She said mothers had been delivering from home which was risky. To encourage them to come to the health centre, they had to agree to their demand to deliver in a squatting position which they preferred to lying on their back which was normally the case in the health centre.

The adjustment has seen more mothers deliver from the health facility and minimised mother and infant mortality.

The Great Impact

Uganda has witnessed remarkable improvements in maternal and child health over the years, according to Håkansson

Maternal mortality is falling, infant mortality is declining, and more mothers are receiving antenatal care and giving birth in the hands of skilled health professionals.

“These are not just statistics—these are lives saved, families uplifted and communities strengthened. And you, midwives, are at the centre of this progress,” Håkansson said.

The recent Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) highlights significant progress: The maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births.

Additionally, facility deliveries rose from 73% in 2016 to an impressive 86% in 2022 with nine out of every 10 women (88%) having childbirth attended by a skilled birth attendant, (74% were attended by nurses and midwives).

This progress is undeniably linked to the tireless efforts of midwives. Also, their work goes beyond the delivery room.

“It’s not just about babies being born; it’s about empowering families to plan their futures,” Håkansson said.

The ambassador said it is the midwives educating women and couples on their sexual and reproductive health, helping them make informed choices about whether, when and how often to have children.

They are advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities. But she says more should be done by midwives in Uganda as challenges still persist.

What to improve

Håkansson says to achieve the Global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, gender-based violence, child marriages and teenage pregnancies that weigh heavily on Uganda’s progress must be addressed.

In Uganda, teenage pregnancies account for approximately 18% of maternal deaths, a significant portion of the overall figure. Additionally, they contribute to about 20% of infant deaths.

This highlights the severe health risks posed by adolescent pregnancies, which are also linked to complications such as unsafe abortions and sepsis.

Uganda’s statistics show that teenage pregnancies have stagnated, showing only a 1% decrease from 25% in 2016 to 24% in 2022. The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has only slightly increased from 35% to 37%, and the unmet need for family planning remains at a concerning 22%.

Håkansson says the urgency to address teenage pregnancies is critical, not only to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates but also to empower young people to make informed reproductive choices. "And once again, midwives are at the heart of the solution”.

“Through your counsel and care, you are empowering teenage girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. You are guiding them away from the risks of early pregnancies and preventing the spread of HIV. But this is not just about the girls—boys, too, must be part of the conversation. And midwives are uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap, educating adolescent boys to make responsible, informed choices," she said.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) deputy representative, Daniel Alemu, said Uganda still needs more midwives to meet both national staffing norms and international standards.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) deputy representative, Daniel Alemu. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

He urged the Government of Uganda to implement the newly approved staffing structure to improve the midwife-to-patient ratio, thereby alleviating the burden on the healthcare workforce.

“We must also focus on making midwives an irreplaceable cadre within the health system, from clinical settings to the community level. The work of our hands must speak for itself,” he said.

The best midwives award ceremony, was graced by the third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Nakadama Isanga, who handed over certificates to the 2024 winners.

Third deputy prime minister, Lukia Nakadama Isanga. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Uganda’s best midwives 2024 Winners

1. Akoli proscovia- China-Ugana Friendship Hospital, Kampala - CENTRAL I region
2. Twambale Biira Roselyn - Karugutu H Health Centre IV, Ntoroko- RWENZORI reggion
3. Akello Sarah- Nsinze Health Centre IV, Namutumba- BUSOGA region
4. Dairo Modesta- Kapelebyong Health Centre IV, Kapelebyong- TESO region
5. Okumu Josephine- Anaka General Hospital, Nwoya-ACHOLI region
6. Atulinda Mary- Mabaale Health Centre III, Kagadi- HOIMA region
7. Owembabazi Clare - Kinoni Health Centre IV, Rwampara- ANKOLE region
8. Isuka Judith - Mukuya Health Centre IV, Tororo- EASTERN region
9. Tino Beatrice – Akali Health Centre III, Kwania- LANGO region
10. Akongo suzan - Lolelia Health Centre III, kabong- KARAMOJA region
11. Koote Irene— Butebo Health Centre IV, Mbale- ELGON region
12. Namwere Caroline – Kalangala Health Centre IV, Masaka- CENTRAL II region
13. Atizuyo Robina – Ovujo Health Centre III, Maracha- WEST NILE region 

 

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

___________