16 Jun. 2018
ARH continues to work towards improving maternal and child health in the rural communities of Uganda.
During our interventions, the observation is tha it hard to address just a single issue alone; and hope to make a difference. In responding to these issues therefore, different programs tailored to specific problems are put in place. And partnering with other organization with different specialties to make bigger impact; has been an asset
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Globally maternal health remains a challenge. According to WHO every day, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. And Uganda contributes to 2% of maternal death. As it turns out, young adolescents face a higher risk of complications and death as a result of pregnancy than other women. http://www.who.int/mediacentre.
Uganda Demographic and Health Survey -UDHS 2016 reports a ratio of 438 maternal death per 100,000 live birth. Another survey indicates 368 maternal death per 100,000 live birth. This low ratio could be because some of the death which occur at home or in some private practice facilities are not reported and therefore not registered. The UDHS report also indicates that for every mother that dies, 6 mothers go with disabilities related to childbirth. In another report by Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 492 mothers die per month- that is equivalent to 16 maternal deaths per day”. This is absurd given the country’s effort to curb maternal death.
There are different issues leading to maternal mortality and morbidity; and for each cause, there are different root causes. Addressing these issues therefore require tackling each using different programs and interventions that are tailored to specific problems.
Below is a list showing causes of maternal, most of which can be preventable
1. Pre- existing condition 28%
2. Bleeding 27%
3. Eclampsia 14%
4. Sepsis 11%
5. Obstructed labour 9%
6. Blood clot 3%
pre-existing medical conditions constitutes of:1. diabetes, 2. malaria, 3.HIV/AIDS, 4. Obesity/ malnutrition
If maternal and child must improve then, 3 things have to be in place:
(1) the community needs have the knowledge about issues surround maternal health and how they can help. Everyone in the home must get involved in the wellbeing of the mother, other than making it her issue alone
(2) There should be facilities, including referral centers with adequate equipment and medications needed in handling maternal and child health matters.
(3) The facility should have manpower with adequate knowledge and willingness to handle deliveries.
Given that these three are not all always available in the rural settings, CBOs and other Civil Societies, work with the government to bridge the gap. It is very important therefore to commit to their work, and to continue to advocate for better maternal health conditions in rural settings.
In an effort to bridge the gap, ARH has been involved in Capacity Development and Community Empowerment for Reproductive Health. and has involved men as change agents for maternal health.
Some Our programs include
1.community health education
(a)empowering communities and families to understand and be able to handle issues that affect maternal and child health in the community
(b)Empowering the women in taking charge of their lives. That include family planning, nutrition security (providing seedling and teaching how to plant nutritious foods around their houses), educating how to prevent malaria and diarrhea among others.
(c) Empowerment for midwives in ethics, integrity, and professionalism and provide them with tips on how to go for farther studies.
2. UMOJA NI USHINDI male involvement
(a) empowering men in reproductive health and maternal health issues; Teaching them ways in which they can help their pregnant wives and prevention and seek for HIV treatment.
( b) empowerment in communication skills and how to deal with their reproductive health.
( c) Connect men with health centers for medical examination
3 Domestic violence Awareness and Prevention
( a ) Train trainers to tailor information on domestic violence awareness and prevention
( b) Advocate for the end of domestic violence
4 Project “Keep Girls in School”
To reduce teen pregnancy, by keeping girls from dropping out of school
( a ) Provide single solar to help less fortunate girls read in the night
( b ) Provide re-usable pads to girls in school
( c) educate girls in Sexual and reproductive Health
5 Restock health Centers
Provide delivery sets, BP machines, fetal scopes, laboratory equipment, bed, and mattresses for mothers and babied. Among others.
We are thankful to the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Perth Amboy in New Jersey for their continued support to ARH. We are also thankful to the volunteers and community of Nyabushenyi for working with the organization.
We want to invite well-wishers to partner with us in changing lives.
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