UWOPA worried over escalating cases of maternal mortality

By  Sarah Akello

UWOPA is concerned with the escalating cases of maternal mortality in Uganda and want Government to ensure a total reduction.

“Mothers in Uganda are dying at a high rate. We know the causes. We want to request the Government to put in adequate resources and effort to address the gaps within provision of maternal health,” said Sarah Opendi, chairperson, UWOPA.

Tororo Woman MP. Hon. Sarah Opendi presented a petition from Uganda Parliamentary Women’s Association (UWOPA)

While making a presentation from UWOPA on the Floor during plenary chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among on  Thursday 3, March  disclosed that they want the Government to ensure that there is complete reduction in maternal and child deaths in Uganda because every life matters.

“UWOPA is concerned about the escalating cases of maternal mortality in the country. Government should prioritize and provide,” said Opendi.

According to Opendi, the petitioners pray that in order to meet the constitutional obligation of the state  so as to uphold the right of women and fulfill their reproductive rights.

She added that the Government needs to allocate sufficient funds in the national budget for maternal health to see an end to deaths.

In January 2022, Members of Parliament under the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) asked Government to re-align its priorities and find money to fight maternal mortality which they said is on the increase.

UWOPA members said that the budget proposed for the health sector for financial year 2022/2023 is inadequate to address the escalating maternal deaths.

The proposed budget for the health sector for the financial year is Shs2.2 trillion, which translates into a decrease of Shs1.1 trillion for the financial year 2021/2022.

The petitioners, since Covid-19 cases have reduced, the funds earlier allocated to fight the pandemic should be channeled to maternal health.

“We have seen a lot of funds that have been put a side to fight death caused by Covid, in a similar way we want to request Government to avail funds in ending maternal deaths,” said Opendi.

MPs said that they want to see the President and Cabinet come out strong against maternal death as they did in the fight against Covid-19.

Among said the rate at which women seek for delivery kits is alarming adding that child bearing should not be made as a burden to the population. She ruled that the Minister of Health should in two weeks with a statement on reduction strategy and plan to mitigate the problem.