Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-11 16:09:42
Expectant mothers in Namutumba District, Eastern Uganda are facing challenges in accessing proper antenatal care and delivering in health facilities due to fear of disclosing their HIV status to their spouses. This fear has led to a preference for Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) over government and private health centers, leading to an increase in maternal deaths among HIV positive mothers.
Scovia Yolyanaye, a midwife at Bugobi Health Centre II, highlighted that HIV positive mothers are avoiding health centers for fear of being tested for HIV/AIDS and instead opting for TBAs. These TBAs are often cheaper and sometimes provide free services, unlike midwives who charge a fee for delivery services. However, statistics show that a higher number of mothers die while giving birth at the hands of TBAs, especially those living with HIV.
It is recommended for expectant mothers to have up to eight antenatal visits throughout their pregnancy to ensure proper health monitoring. However, many mothers only make one visit or wait until the last trimester, which shows a lack of preparation and can result in complications during delivery.
There have been reports of midwives and nurses disclosing HIV status of expectant mothers to their spouses, leading to a breach of confidentiality and fear among pregnant women. This has further deterred women from seeking antenatal care in health facilities, contributing to maternal deaths in Namutumba District.
A recent report highlighted the factors contributing to maternal deaths in the district, including lack of ambulances, low antenatal visitation rates, and the prevalence of TBAs. Private health workers have collaborated with government health facilities to address these issues by encouraging expectant mothers to visit health facilities, providing alternative means of transport for emergencies, and promoting delivery in health centers.
Dr. Daniel Kajubi of Namutumba Community Hospital emphasized the need for proper antenatal care and timely delivery in health facilities to reduce maternal deaths. He noted that men play a crucial role in supporting and escorting their spouses for antenatal visits, but many opt for TBAs due to cost considerations.
Midwives like Sarah Akello and Rita Namaganda highlighted the importance of proper care during delivery, emphasizing the need for mothers to have a caretaker and mama kits. They also stressed the significance of men’s involvement in maternal health care to prevent avoidable deaths during childbirth.
The Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Thomas Matende, acknowledged the issue of maternal deaths in Namutumba District, attributing it to the failure of expectant mothers to seek antenatal services and visit TBAs. While there are government ambulances available, they are not always sufficient to handle emergencies due to poor road conditions and lack of resources.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by expectant mothers in Namutumba District requires a collective effort from health workers, community leaders, and families to prioritize antenatal care, encourage delivery in health facilities, and improve access to emergency services. By working together, it is possible to reduce maternal deaths and ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women in the region.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
