By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
HEALTH
As the world celebrates International Rural Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on the selfless dedication of rural midwives, like Lilian Kobusinge, who brave countless challenges to deliver life-saving care to mothers in Uganda’s most remote communities.
Kobusinge, a midwife at Makuutu HC III in Bugweri District, Busoga region, shares her experiences working in a rural setting. “It’s tough, but rewarding,” she says. “We serve a vast population of illiterate mothers, often misled by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) about best practices. Correcting their mindset about maternal and child health (MCH) services is an uphill battle.”
Rural midwives face numerous hurdleshurdles including referral challenges. Kobusingye often supports mothers financially to access higher facilities.
She also revealed that there are many cases of lack of spousal support where very many mothers in labour come in alone without their husbands,distance and accessibility of health facilities for example Makuutu HC III serves four parishes with poor roads, making emergencies a logistical nightmare, Limited resources where motorcycles are the only transport available, and families often cannot afford them among others.
Kobusingye also in an interview with our reporter revealed that they also have their personal challenges where sometimes their families fail to understand their demanding work schedule which sometimes leads to family breakups if you marry un impatient partner. She also noted the stagnant career growth where midwives in local government may serve for over 12 years without promotion opportunities even after upgrading from certificate to bachelors level.
Despite these challenges, Kobusinge and her colleagues persevere, driven by compassion and commitment. “We work under God’s divine mercy,” she said.
Today, we honor the unsung heroes like Kobusinge, who provide essential care to marginalized communities, bridge cultural gaps and promote health education,support vulnerable mothers and families and demonstrate unwavering dedication amidst adversity.
As we recognize the selflessness of rural midwives, Kobusinge urged policymakers and stakeholders to improve rural healthcare infrastructure and resources, enhance career development opportunities for midwives,address transportation and referral challenges and support community education and health promotion initiatives.
