Raymond Baguma
2 October 2008
Kampala — A new report on the health of new-born babies in Uganda has revealed that many of them die of preventable causes due to failure to abide by simple life-saving practices.
The report titled 'Situation analysis of newborn health in Uganda,' was compiled by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, Save the Children Uganda and the World Health Organisation.
The report, launched by the primary healthcare state minister Dr. Emmanuel Otaala on Tuesday, states that life-saving practices are not followed due to poverty, cultural beliefs and poor access to health care.
"A number of positive attitudes and health care practices exist at the household and community levels. These are the recognition of the need to provide care and protection to the women during pregnancy and to the newborn," the report reads.
"However, practices that could have negative consequences for newborn health include seeking care from traditional birth attendants, long distances to health facilities and high costs of treatment," it adds.
The minister said Uganda had good national policy but implementation was poor. He added that Uganda lacked the strategy to support and care for newborn babies.
According to the report, 45,000 newborns die each year, accounting for four out of every ten deaths before the first birthday and an equal number of stillbirths.
The report was compiled following a study conducted in Iganga, Kumi, Kayunga, Rakai, Kabarole, Bushenyi, Arua, Lira and Kampala districts.
The report mentions that health programmes in Uganda focus on safe motherhood and interventions in older children, without catering for the newborns.
The report also stated that half of the deaths occured in the first week after birth due to asphyxia, infections such as pneumonia, and birth complications experienced by mothers.
Wakiso Woman MP Rosemary Sseninde called upon men to ensure the good health of the babies.
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