Achieving SDG III; Newborn Deaths Reduce in Ankole

As the Ministry of Health moves towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda III by 2030, the Health professionals especially the Pediatricians and midwives in the Ankole sub-region are celebrating a reduction in newborn deaths.

Dr. Musa Kayondo, head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at MRRH, reports a decline in maternal deaths during childbirth, reducing from 72 in the 2022/23 year to 49 in 2023/24 and also, there has been a decrease in newborn deaths, dropping from 495 in 2022/23 to 361 in the first quarter of this year.

The revelation was done during an event to launch this year’s safe birth awareness campaign at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology pharmacology theatre on March 10.

The ten-day nationwide campaign focuses on reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting safe childbirth practices under the theme “Safe Birth for Healthy Mothers and Babies: A Shared Responsibility.”

Agnes Chandia Baku, the Nursing Commissioner, urged midwives to prioritize patient-centered care to safeguard the lives of mothers and their newborns.

Dr. Godfrey Mugyenyi, the Chairperson of the Safe Birth Committee, calls upon communities to empower themselves and demand adequate services.

He noted that communities will be educated, equipped, and engaged to have a high-impact campaign.

This achievement entails the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda, which demands each country to contribute to the global target of reducing maternal mortality to 70/100.000 live births.

However, during the launch Midwives accused health workers at Lower Health facilities of referring expectant mothers late and others with avoidable excuses like no doctor.  

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