As Uganda marked World Health Day on April 7, a sobering statistic cast a shadow over the celebrations. The Busoga subregion is battling maternal and child mortality rates that are alarmingly higher than the national average.
National celebrations took place at Baitambogwe Health Centre III in Mayuge District, under the theme “Healthy Beginning, Hopeful Future.” But for many families in Busoga, that hopeful future remains elusive.
According to Dr. Charles Olaro, the Acting Director General of Health Services, Busoga records 93 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births—nearly 10% above the national average of 82.
“It’s a distressing gap,” Dr. Olaro said. “Even child mortality is significantly higher—28 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to the national average of 22. And let’s not ignore the soaring teenage pregnancy rates in the region.”
Several factors are fueling the crisis. Reliance on traditional birth attendants, limited access to skilled antenatal care, and high rates of adolescent pregnancies continue to jeopardize maternal and child health outcomes.
In response, the Ministry of Health—backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)—has launched a focused intervention in five Busoga districts: Mayuge, Bugiri, Iganga, Buyende, and Kamuli.
A Multipronged Intervention
The new initiative is both ambitious and urgent. Key interventions include:
- Renovation of over 30 health facilities
- Deployment of new ambulances
- Community campaigns aimed at reducing teenage pregnancies
- Targeted training for health workers to improve maternal, child, and adolescent care
Dr. Mwinga Kasonde, WHO’s representative in Uganda, stressed the importance of regular antenatal visits.
“Antenatal care is not just a formality—it’s a lifeline. Attending at least eight sessions helps detect complications early and ensures safe delivery,” she explained. “Busoga is a priority region, and we are committed to turning the tide here.”
KOICA’s Country Director, Jihee Ahn, echoed that commitment.
“In Korea, we say: ‘Once you lose your health, you lose everything.’ Uganda can count on our continued support.”
KOICA’s assistance spans six core areas: service delivery, infrastructure, human resources, health data systems, financing, and governance.
As the world celebrated WHO’s 77th anniversary, Uganda’s focus was clear: no mother or child should die from a preventable cause. And in Busoga, that mission has never been more urgent.
