Preterm births is the leading cause of deaths in new born babies

By Stephen Kalema

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has revealed that preterm births is the leading cause of newborn deaths in the country.

In Uganda, approximately 108,000 children are born preterm every year, out of which 11,700 newborns die due to complications of prematurity. However, according to state minister for Primary Health Care Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, 75 percent of these deaths in newborns are preventable with affordable solutions.

Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, is the birth of a baby at fewer than 37 weeks’ gestational age.

Current World Health Organisation (WHO) report indicates that preterm birth is one of the three leading causes of deaths in newborns worldwide with over 15 million babies born too soon around the world. Unfortunately, over 1 million new-borns die due to complications of preterm birth whereas many newborns who survive face a lifetime of disability.

Minister Kaducu said laziness in pregnant mothers has led to the raise of the problem arise.

“Pregnant mothers have not taken the initiative to attend all the required antenatal care visits with the first visit starting in the first trimester,” she added.

Policy alternatives on maternal health care’s services in Uganda recommends for expectant mothers to have at least eight antenatal visits to the health facilities so that a mother can receive information, care and support to prevent premature deaths.

The most affected mothers are those from rural areas who have little knowledge about on antenatal cares.

Kaducu said WHO recommended Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for the routine care of newborns weighing 2000 grams or less at birth. KMC is one of the low-cost interventions that save lives of small and born too soon babies.

“KMC promotes development of the newborn, thus leading to quick improvements in their health,” added minister.

However, according health officials from referral hospitals, there is inadequate knowledge and skills about KMC, misperception of KMC.

The minister however, said MoH will educate the masses about KMC soon as a key strategy for feasible and effective intervention for babies born too soon and small.

“All Regional Referral Hospitals, District Hospitals and Health Centers IV in Uganda will be supported to establish KMC linked to more advanced care for sick newborns to ensure the continuum of care.

“We shall focus on advanced care for all newborns by establishing special care units in regional referral, district and health center IVs. Oxygen plants have been established at all regional referral hospitals to support preterm babies when in the nurseries for critical care. The Ministry will strengthen human resource to provide the quality care for newborns especially the preterms,” said minister Kaducu.