Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
In a bid to combat the leading cause of maternal mortality, Ankole Local Maternity and Neanatal Systems (LMNS) took to the streets of Mbarara city on August 21st to raise awareness about Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH). The event, held in conjunction with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, aimed to educate the public about the dangers of excessive bleeding after childbirth.
According to Dr. Levan Tibijuka, an Obstetrician Gynecologist at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the Ankole LMNS coordinator said PPH accounts for 30% of maternal deaths. He emphasized the importance of regular antenatal visits, now increased to eight from four, to identify potential danger signs and plan for safe delivery.
He revealed that Mbarara city leads in the cases but most cases are attributed to referrals from neighbouring districts and periferal health centres.
Mwesigwa Peruth, a senior nursing officer and midwife representative for Southwestern midwives under their umbrella Uganda Midwives Association highlighted the primary cause of PPH: delay in seeking attention from qualified health workers. She urged expectant mothers to shun traditional birth attendants and seek specialized care promptly.
Dr. Waswa Muganwa Salongo, a senior Obstetrician, revealed that seven out of ten mothers who die in labor succumb to PPH. He stressed the need for awareness to reduce these numbers.
The march through Mbarara city aimed to educate the public about PPH risks and prevention. Healthcare providers face challenges such as blood shortages, lack of sundries, and inadequate staffing, emphasizing the need for government support.
The PPH awareness campaign, observed throughout August, seeks to educate women about the dangers of excessive bleeding after childbirth and its complications. Ankole LMNS and Mbarara RRH urge the public to join the campaign and support efforts to reduce maternal mortality.
Remember, excessive bleeding after childbirth is a silent killer. Let us work together to create awareness and save lives.
