The Ministry of Health will commemorate the annual Safe Motherhood Day in Luweero district, Uganda next week.
The day (Monday, 17 October 2011) is to be marked under the theme of child spacing.
Safe Motherhood Day provides an opportunity for stakeholders and communities to take stock of their contribution and commitment to the improvement of maternal and newborn health.
The main objective of the day is to advocate for and promote maternal and newborn health and the increase demand and utilization of maternal health service delivery. The day is also held to identify successes and challenges in improving maternal and new born health and mobilize resources (material, financial, technical) to support efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. The day also provides a forum to revitalize networks and coordination with stakeholders in safe motherhood.
This is the fifth year that Uganda will be commemorating the day. Over the years, the day has been observed under different themes hosted by different communities in Uganda. The day was first launched in Soroti district and focused on general safe motherhood.
In 2007, the event was hosted by Kayunga district and the theme focused on responsible fatherhood in maternal health. In 2008, while in Mpigi district, the day focused on safe delivery practices, while in 2009, at the event hosted in Mayuge district, the day focused on family planning. Last year, Mityana district hosted the day under the theme improving service delivery.
This year, Luweero district will host the national event, which will involve a week-long intensified service delivery programmes throughout the district. The theme for this year emphasizes the need to ensure that no mother dies while giving life. A number of activities are being planned for the day.
Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Christine Ondoa, is expected to be the guest of honour.
It is reported that 16 women die in Uganda each day while in labour due to poor healthcare or negligence among other causes.
