Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
KABALE – Midwives in Kabale District have called on mothers to consistently seek antenatal and postnatal care, while also urging the government to intensify sensitization outreaches, especially in rural communities, ahead of the International Day of the Midwife.
The International Day of the Midwife, marked every year on May 5th, will in 2026 be celebrated under the global theme “One Million More Midwives,” highlighting the urgent need to invest in the midwifery workforce to address critical shortages. National celebrations in Uganda will be held in Moroto District.
Health workers say the day serves as an important reminder of the critical role midwives play in reducing maternal and newborn deaths, while also calling for improved working conditions, increased staffing, and better-equipped health facilities across the country.
Gloria Tusiime, a midwife at Rugarama Hospital, has encouraged expectant mothers to seek medical attention promptly whenever they experience any complications, rather than waiting for scheduled clinic visits.
She emphasized that early intervention can save lives. “Pregnant mothers should not wait for the next appointment date when they feel any unusual signs. They need to come to the hospital immediately so that health workers can assess and manage the situation early,” Tusiime said.
Tusiime also highlighted the importance of male involvement in maternal health, urging men to take an active role in supporting their partners throughout pregnancy.
“We encourage men to escort their wives for antenatal services. When men are involved, it becomes easier for mothers to follow medical advice, and this improves the health of both the mother and the baby,” she added.
She noted that delays in decision-making among mothers and families often lead to late hospital visits, sometimes when the condition of the baby has already deteriorated.
“Many mothers delay at home due to indecision or reliance on traditional beliefs. By the time they come to the hospital, the baby is already in distress. This greatly increases the risk of complications or even death,” Tusiime explained.
Tusiime further appealed to the government to extend sensitization programs to rural areas and ensure that health facilities are well-equipped with adequate staff and essential medical supplies.
“Government should invest more in community sensitization, especially in hard-to-reach areas, and also improve health facilities by providing enough midwives and equipment to handle emergencies,” she said.
She also warned against cultural myths and misconceptions that continue to put the lives of mothers and newborns at risk during childbirth.
Meanwhile, Alishia Kukundakwe, a midwife at Ballina Medical Chambers in Kabale Municipality, has identified postpartum haemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth) as one of the leading causes of maternal deaths.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is postpartum haemorrhage, where a mother bleeds excessively after giving birth. If not managed quickly, it can lead to death within a short time,” Kukundakwe said.
Kukundakwe also raised concern over non-compliance among some mothers, noting that many fail to return for follow-up visits as advised by health workers.
“Some mothers do not come back for their scheduled visits, yet these check-ups are very important in monitoring their recovery and the baby’s health. This non-compliance puts them at risk of complications,” she added.
She urged mothers to strictly follow medical guidance and maintain regular contact with health workers throughout pregnancy and after delivery.
“We advise mothers to adhere to all medical instructions, attend all antenatal and postnatal visits, and always seek help from trained health workers instead of relying on unverified information,” Kukundakwe emphasised.