Kapelebyong urges end to reliance on traditional birth attendants

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The health department in Kapelebyong district has raised concern over the rising number of women giving birth at home with the help of traditional birth attendants (TBAs).

Edith Abeja, a health educator in the district, said most pregnant women continue to deliver at home, a practice that puts both mothers and newborns at risk of diseases and complications.

Abeja stressed the importance of early antenatal care, which enables expectant mothers to receive professional medical advice from qualified health workers.

She pointed out that despite the long distances some communities face in accessing health facilities, the district has 15 centres—including one Health Centre IV, four Health Centre IIIs and eight Health Centre IIs—equipped to serve the population.

Abeja added that maternal deaths linked to traditional birth practices remain a major concern and called for sensitisation of TBAs to stop assisting pregnant women in order to reduce risks.



Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 189 per 100,000 live births, with a 1 in 66 lifetime risk of maternal death.

According to the World Health Organisation, the country’s neonatal mortality rate has, however, decreased from 27 to 22 per 1,000 live births through several interventions, but remains above the SDG target of 12 per 1,000 live births.

Teenage pregnancies contribute significantly to mortality, with 1 in 4 girls aged 15-19 pregnant or already mothers, accounting for 20% of overall maternal deaths.

Most maternal deaths occur during childbirth and the postnatal period due to haemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders. Neonatal deaths stem from birth asphyxia, complications of prematurity, and sepsis.