Kampala – Health experts have emphasized the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to address the high maternal mortality rate in Uganda.
Every year, a staggering 287,000 mothers and four million children worldwide succumb to preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Almost 95% of these deaths occur in the developing world. In Uganda, the maternal morality rate stands at 169 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, Executive Director of Save The Mothers East Africa, attributes this crisis to critical delays in seeking medical attention, accessing healthcare facilities, and receiving treatment due to shortages of medical staff, medicine, and blood.
“At Save the Mothers, we believe that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to save some of the 287,000 mothers and four million children who die in the developing world annually due to unsafe childbirth,” Dr. Nsubuga said. “The burden falls on more than just health professionals, and simply building more hospitals and clinics is not the solution. Rather, the communities where mothers live need to be changed from within.” he added
Speaking during a media engagement at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono on Wednesday, Dr. Nsubuga said journalists need to play a more active role in highlighting critical issues surrounding maternal and child health.
“Journalists play a crucial role in development by setting the agenda, shaping public opinion, and advocating for critical issues such as maternal and child health,” he said. “By collaborating, we can leverage our respective strengths to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of mothers and children in Uganda and the region. Your expertise in communication, combined with our experience in maternal and child health initiatives, can create a powerful alliance for change,” he added
During the meeting, journalist were introduced to Master in Public Health Leadership (MPHL) program, one of the initiatives by Save The Mothers aimed at reducing maternal and child deaths.
Teopista Aguti the Communications and Publicity Health Specialist at UCU noted that the program trains multidisciplinary professionals to champion change in their communities.”The program is open to professionals worldwide with a first degree in any field,” she said .
The MPHL is a two years program taught online 70% and onset 30%. Applications can be submitted online, and graduates join the Save the Mothers network of professionals committed to improving mothers’ health.
How to apply for the Master in Public Health Leadership (MPHL)
Apply online at https://application.ucu.ac.ug, download and fill out a postgraduate application form. Submit a copy of your CV and motivational essay (500 words) with the application form to the UCU. Also, send your CV and a motivational essay to:
arpublichealth@ucu.ac.ug,
jnamyalo@ucu.ac.ug
EAdirector@savethemothers.org