Adjumani District Achieves Zero Maternal Deaths in Eight Months

Despite an increasing number of deliveries at health facilities serving both nationals and refugees, Adjumani District has reported zero maternal deaths in the past eight months, according to health workers.

This achievement is credited to a comprehensive approach focused on improving maternal health and reducing mortality rates.

Lulu Henry Leku, the Assistant Adjumani District Health Officer in charge of maternal and child health, shared that since July of last year, a total of 6,564 safe deliveries have taken place across the district, with no maternal deaths recorded during the same period.

Health officials attribute this success to several strategies and collaborations, including Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPACR) and Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR). These efforts have played a significant role in preventing maternal deaths in the district.

“Several years ago, Adjumani district launched an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating maternal mortality,” said Leku.

The district’s efforts have been further recognized, as it secured third place among more than 63 government general hospitals in Uganda, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Dominic Drametu, the Adjumani District Health Officer, acknowledged the challenge posed by the halted funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). However, Adjumani District leadership convened a meeting with health facility managers to strategize ways to maintain service delivery.

“Through these efforts and collaborations, we have made significant strides in addressing maternal health challenges, aiming for zero maternal deaths and better health services for all residents,” Dr. Drametu stated. “This approach demonstrates our commitment to ensuring continuous maternal health services despite financial constraints.”

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has played a crucial role in supporting maternal health in Adjumani. Their contributions include providing ambulances to ensure that expecting mothers and healthcare workers can reach health facilities, especially during movement restrictions. Additionally, UNFPA supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and community resource persons, ensuring the continuation of essential health services in the district.

Adjumani District, home to several refugee settlements, continues to prioritize maternal health services. Initiatives such as distributing healthcare toolkits to new mothers and providing ambulances, supported by organizations like UNFPA, have been instrumental in improving maternal health outcomes in these communities.