Every day, 15 women die in Uganda from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, 94 babies are stillborn and 81 newborn babies die. This equates to 69,5701 deaths each year due to complications during pregnancy, childbirth and in the first month. Many of these deaths are from causes that are largely preventable, with mothers’ deaths caused by four major factors – haemorrhage/bleeding, hypertension, unsafe abortions and sepsis. Babies die mainly due to complications of prematurity, complications at birth and neonatal infections.
It is a fact that the presence of a trained health care worker, along with basic medicines such as antiseptics and antibiotics, vital equipment and a clean environment to work in, can save the lives of nearly-born and newborn babies on their first day. However, recent estimates indicate that only 57% of births in Uganda take place with the support of a skilled health care worker and many health facilities are under-equipped and under-staffed.
This booklet tells 10 stories about birth experiences from the perspectives of women as mothers and health care workers – mostly midwives. Some of these mothers lost their babies during childbirth; others have had a near-miss experience; whereas others have had positive outcomes and the babies survived without complications.
The stories from the health care workers reflect their passion and dedication to caring for and supporting mothers and newborn babies. Their stories describe the situations within which they work, and indicate some of the challenges to providing quality and respectful care.
Watch a video about childbirth in Uganda >>
So many midwives are making a difference in the world and deserve our acknowledgment. If you know a midwife who is working to make a difference for the world’s mothers and babies, send her/his story to info@healthynewbornnetowork.org and we will publish it as part of our midwifery blog series.