Uganda registers decline in infant, maternal mortality

Uganda has registered significant decline in infant and maternal mortality, according to communication by the Ministry of Health.

Quoting the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) key indicators report for the sixth Demographic and Health Survey 2016, the ministry in a communication dated \march 14 said that the results show that Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 54 deaths per 1000 live births in 2011 to 43 deaths per 1000 live births in 2016.

The report also indicated that child mortality has seen a steady decrease from 38 deaths per 1000 live births in 2011 to 22 deaths per 1000 live births in 2016.

Uganda has made great strides in maternal health, according to the report. Maternal mortality has reduced from 438 deaths per 100,000 live births registered in the 2011 UDHS report to the current 336 deaths per 100,000 live births.

There is also marked improvement in pregnant women attending four or more antenatal care visits from 48% in 2011 to 60% in 2016 while the number of births in health facilities increased from 57% in 2011 to 73% in 2016.

The Guest of Honor, Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali, the First Deputy Prime Minister commended the Government and health partners for bringing about the improvement in maternal and child health but decried the high maternal mortality.

"In order to achieve better health indices, we shall focus on procuring good medical equipment, increasing human resource for health and continuous sensitization of our population" he noted.

Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali said that this survey will help in monitoring the national health program and measures progress towards meeting both local and International development commitments such as the National Development Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng noted that release of these findings will guide in planning and monitoring of services offered by the health sector.

She urged the need to accelerate efforts in curbing maternal mortality rates despite the notable reduction. "Among other indices, we have progressed in immunization, nutrition levels and use of insecticide treated mosquito nets and this shows that we are progressing as a sector and a nation" she said.

She explained that efficient use of resources will allow the health sector to achieve better indices in the future. "I would also like to take this opportunity to urge other line ministries to support and collaborate with the health sector in achieving better health outcomes.

Achievement of these outcomes requires combined effort from you all" Hon. Aceng told the gathering.

The Ministry of Health officials appreciated efforts of UBOS for undertaking this survey and continuous updating of the public on the key health indicators and all the development partners especially USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, and ICF Macro for funding and providing technical assistance in this Demographic Health Survey.