Uganda’s high fertility rate worries health services providers
Participants at a one day Uganda National Health Accounts meeting on Tuesday expressed fear that the current high fertility rate in the country could jeopardise healthcare provision if not brought under control.
The meeting, which was chaired by Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, the former vice president, made recommendations, geared at checking population growth rates to curb maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.
It brought together representatives from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Ministry of Health, UNICEF and private healthcare providers.
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“Many girls get pregnant before attaining the age of 20 which poses a high risk of maternal mortality brought about by girls who attempt abortion and those who develop delivery complications”, said Dr Kazibwe.
She said there is need for the healthcare providers to put much emphasis on preventing maternal mortality rather than addressing curative issues.
“We should not be like coffin makers who think about death all the time”, she said.
The ministry of Health policy and planning officer, Tom Aliti said health insurance is still low in the country and a lot of money goes to hospitals to cure patients while little is budgeted for preventing diseases.
"Are we the ministry of hospitals?”, he asked amidst laughter from participants.
He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) puts Uganda per capita health expenditure at $ 51 while the recommended expenditure should be $130.
