Hundreds benefit from medical camp in Masindi district

MASINDI,  May 12, 2025 –– Hundreds of mothers in Masindi district have benefited from a medical camp organised by the Safe Path Mother’s Foundation Uganda [SPFU] in commemoration of Mother’s Day, marked yesterday in Uganda and other countries.

The modern version of Mother’s Day traces its origins to early 20th-century America. It is observed annually on the second Sunday of May in many countries, including the United States, India, Australia, and several parts of Europe. The celebration was popularised by Anna Jarvis, who held the first official event in 1908 in West Virginia to honour her late mother and acknowledge the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Inspired by her efforts, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day in 1914.

At the medical camp, mothers in Masindi district received screenings for HIV/AIDS, blood pressure, and diabetes. The event that featured a blood donation drive and group aerobics sessions was supported by Tonady Medical Centre and Uganda Red Blood Transfusion Services.

According to SPFU Chief Executive Officer Sherifa Nabule, this year’s Mother’s Day activities in Masindi focused on promoting maternal health and raising awareness about the challenges faced by mothers.

“We also focused on supporting teenage mothers by providing essential items such as mama kits, which were donated to Bwijanga Health Centre IV and Kilanyi Health Centre II. These efforts are aimed at reducing maternal mortality in the district,” Nabule explained.

She emphasised the need to support teenage mothers in returning to school to help secure their futures. Nabule also urged parents to fight against early marriages, citing it as a leading cause of teenage pregnancies in Masindi District.

SPFU is a community-based organisation committed to safeguarding the well-being of mothers during childbirth, with the vision of ensuring every mother has access to safe and clean delivery services.

Maternal health statistics in Masindi district

According to the Masindi Hospital Performance Report, 17 maternal deaths were recorded over the past three financial years leading up to 2024. Six mothers died in each of the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years, and five in 2022/23.

In the financial year 2022/23 alone, 217 perinatal deaths were reported across various health facilities in the district. Of these, 27 were newborns who died within seven days after birth, 86 were fresh stillbirths, and 104 were macerated stillbirths [deaths occurring during pregnancy].

At Masindi Hospital, 115 perinatal deaths were reported in the same period. These included four newborn deaths, 49 fresh stillbirths, and 62 macerated stillbirths.

The report attributes some of these deaths to mothers not attending antenatal care, especially first-time mothers who may not know what steps to take during pregnancy. Other contributing factors included respiratory complications, delayed referrals, lack of medical supplies, and negligence.

Caesarean section rates

Out of 4,346 deliveries conducted at Masindi Hospital during 2022/23, 1,045 were by caesarean section, representing 24 percent, which exceeds the 20 percent threshold considered standard. District-wide, there were 9,999 deliveries, of which 1,363 [14 percent] were via caesarean section.

The report was presented to the district council to prompt action, but it reportedly received little attention from councillors. Masindi District was ranked second to last in terms of healthcare performance by the Ministry of Health.

Calls for political support

Speaking to our reporter, Felix Twinomugisha, Acting District Health Officer of Masindi, called for increased political support to improve the health sector.

“The health sector cannot meet the required standards without strong political backing,” he said. “Leaders, particularly Members of Parliament, must push for a larger Ministry of Health budget so that we can receive adequate medical supplies and sufficient fuel for timely patient referrals,” she said.

Twinomugisha further highlighted the challenges health workers face, including having to personally fund emergency services.

“I have often used my own money to buy fuel to transfer patients to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital due to shortages at Masindi Hospital,” he noted.

He also expressed concern over the continued reliance on Traditional Birth Attendants [TBAs], urging politicians to educate the public on the risks associated with delivering under untrained care.

https://thecooperator.news/masindi-stanbic-bank-donates-equipment-to-kyatiri-health-centre/

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