NGO partners with Masindi hospital to launch campaign to combat preeclampsia among pregnant women

MASINDI, June 1, 2026 — Following a rise in cases of preeclampsia among pregnant women in Masindi District, Imarisha Dada Uganda, a community-based organisation, in partnership with Masindi General Hospital, has launched a campaign aimed at combating the condition through intensified public awareness and sensitisation initiatives.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, usually developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It requires urgent medical attention as it can be life-threatening to both the mother and baby if left untreated.

Common symptoms include persistent severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, pain in the upper abdomen, particularly beneath the ribs on the right side, and rapid weight gain.

Masindi Hospital and Imarisha Dada Uganda commemorated World Preeclampsia Day on Thursday, May 21, 2026, ahead of the annual observance on May 22, which seeks to raise global awareness about the condition.

As part of the commemoration, health workers, development partners and community members participated in a procession through the streets of Masindi Town before gathering at Masindi Hospital for the main event.

The celebration, organised by Imarisha Dada Uganda, was held under the theme: “Prevent, Predict and Prevail Over High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy.”

Health workers used the occasion to engage with expectant mothers attending antenatal care services and educate them about the dangers of preeclampsia.

Speaking at the event, Dr Rogers Musinguzi, a Public Health Specialist at Masindi General Hospital, described preeclampsia as a major public health challenge both globally and nationally.

He revealed that the hospital registers up to 20 cases of preeclampsia every month, some of which result in the death of mothers, their unborn babies, or both.

Musinguzi said preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of maternal illness and death in Uganda. However, he emphasised that the condition can be effectively managed if expectant mothers attend the recommended antenatal care visits.

“There is no excuse for failing to attend antenatal care services because health workers are available to support you. Mothers should always seek care early,” he advised, noting that some women mistakenly attribute the condition to witchcraft.

He assured mothers that once the condition is detected, health workers provide the necessary care and close monitoring to improve outcomes.

Musinguzi further explained that preeclampsia can be detected through early antenatal screening and assessment of a mother’s medical and family history.

“Women above the age of 35, those experiencing their first pregnancy, and girls below the age of 20 are particularly vulnerable to the condition,” he said.

Masindi District Health Educator, Mudu Michael, called for greater family and community support for pregnant women.

“What surprises me is that some mothers fear coming to hospital because of stigma, while others fail to seek care due to lack of transport, inadequate family support, or misleading advice from some spiritual leaders, among other reasons,” he said.

He pledged to continue community sensitisation campaigns across the district to encourage more women to seek timely medical care.

Speaking at the same event, Annette Birungi, Executive Director of Imarisha Dada Uganda, said the organisation initiated the campaign after recognising the growing burden of preeclampsia in Uganda.

She noted that the campaign aims to increase public awareness about the dangers associated with the condition and promote early detection and treatment.

Birungi added that the organisation plans to conduct outreach activities in communities and health centres, citing limited knowledge about preeclampsia among many expectant mothers.

“We need to raise awareness so that we can change attitudes towards this condition. I am optimistic that through this partnership with health workers, we shall make a significant impact,” she said.

Proscovia Flora Isingoma, a board member of Imarisha Dada Uganda, called for intensified sensitisation efforts, saying she had witnessed mothers and newborn babies lose their lives due to a lack of awareness about preeclampsia.

Meanwhile, Sharon Munguriek, a survivor of the condition, attributed her survival and that of her twins to seeking medical attention early.

“If I had not gone to the hospital early, I would not be alive today. Some people were telling me that witches were responsible, but I chose to seek medical help,” she recounted.

https://thecooperator.news/masindis-health-and-education-sectors-crippled-by-severe-understaffing/

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