Adjumani District has achieved a remarkable milestone in maternal health, reporting zero maternal deaths over the past eight months, despite an increasing number of deliveries at health facilities serving both nationals and refugees. Health workers credit this success to a well-coordinated approach aimed at improving maternal healthcare and reducing mortality rates.
Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant Adjumani District Health Officer in charge of maternal and child health, revealed that since July of last year, the district has recorded 6,564 safe deliveries with no maternal deaths reported during the same period.
“Several years ago, Adjumani district launched an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating maternal mortality,” Leku said. “Through strategic planning and strong collaborations, we have managed to prevent maternal deaths and improve overall maternal healthcare services.”
Strategic Efforts Driving Success
Health officials attribute this achievement to several key strategies and partnerships, including the Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) program and the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system. These initiatives have strengthened the district’s ability to anticipate and respond to potential complications, ensuring that mothers receive timely and appropriate medical care.
The district’s commitment to maternal health has also earned national recognition, securing third place among over 63 government general hospitals in Uganda, according to the Ministry of Health.
Overcoming Funding Challenges
Dr. Dominic Drametu, the Adjumani District Health Officer, acknowledged that the district has faced financial constraints, particularly following the halt of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). However, local leaders and health facility managers came together to devise strategies that would maintain essential maternal health services despite these challenges.
“This approach demonstrates our commitment to ensuring continuous maternal health services despite financial constraints.”
UNFPA’s Critical Support in Maternal Health
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has played a crucial role in sustaining maternal healthcare services in Adjumani. The organization has provided ambulances to facilitate transportation for expectant mothers and healthcare workers, ensuring access to health facilities, particularly in remote areas. UNFPA has also supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) to health workers and community resource personnel, ensuring uninterrupted essential health services.
Maternal Health in Refugee Communities
Adjumani District is home to several refugee settlements, and maternal health services remain a priority for both the host and refugee communities. In addition to equipping health centers with necessary tools and resources, the district has initiated programs to distribute healthcare toolkits to new mothers. With continued support from UNFPA and other health partners, Adjumani aims to sustain and build upon its recent success.
This achievement highlights the power of strategic interventions, collaboration, and community engagement in improving maternal health outcomes. While challenges such as financial constraints remain, the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of mothers continues to set an example for other regions in Uganda and beyond.
