With Uganda's maternal mortality rate currently at 189 per 100,000 live births, the country faces a significant public health challenge, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s target of 70 per 100,000. This crisis is particularly acute among adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs), where approximately 25% of girls become pregnant before the age of 18.
Economic hardships often compel these young girls into early sexual relationships, and the absence of comprehensive sexual education and reproductive health services only worsens the situation, leading to elevated rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Addressing the complexities surrounding adolescent pregnancies is crucial, according to advocates like Nakibuuka Noor. She raises concerns about whether young girls are making informed choices or being coerced into early motherhood due to external pressures.
“We must address the systemic issues that push young girls into early pregnancies, as they often lack the necessary support and education,” Noor asserts.
In alignment with this, Dr. Neema Mireembe emphasizes that education is a key factor in reducing maternal mortality. She states, “Empowering girls through education and providing them with resources is essential for enabling informed choices about their bodies, which is crucial for reducing maternal mortality.”
To combat these challenges, the Ministry of Health Uganda (MoH) has initiated programs, including maternity and neonatal surveillance systems, along with community health education aimed at improving reproductive health.
Despite these efforts, Noor emphasises that it is imperative to address the socio-economic inequalities that underpin reproductive injustices.
For Uganda to effectively reduce maternal mortality rates, a comprehensive strategy is essential one that integrates government policy, community involvement, and increased access to reproductive health services, ultimately working toward reproductive health justice for all women and girls.