Kampala – In a bid to ease the burden on families with premature babies, advocates are pushing for extended maternal leave to 180 days (6 months). These are also advocating for extended paternal leave extension from four days to 30 days (1 month) to enable them support their partners.
Bazilio Kateregga, Managing Director of the Preterm Infants Parents Network, emphasizes the need for more time to care for premature infants, citing the current three-month leave as insufficient.
“Mothers of preterm babies face unique challenges, including prolonged hospital stays, social and economic struggles, and mental health concerns,” Kateregga said on Thursday during a media breakfast meeting organized by the ministry of health and partners.
Kateregga highlighted the difficulties families face when choosing between caring for their premature baby and maintaining their job.
“We’ve seen many mothers forced to prioritize their job over their baby’s health due to inadequate leave,” he noted.
The plea comes as Uganda gears up to mark World Prematurity Day on November 17, under the theme “Access to quality care everywhere”. The main commemoration event will be held in Luwero District, recognizing its efforts in improving healthcare.
Citing a recent situation analysis by Makerere University School of Public Health, Anna Akullo president of the Pediatrics Association of Uganda revealed that Uganda records over 200,000 preterm deliveries annually, making it the second leading cause of newborn mortality.
Akullo attributed the high preterm birth rates to factors such as poor family planning, inadequate antenatal care, and maternal health issues like malaria, hypertension, and diabetes. Other risk factors include multiple pregnancies, congenital infections, and substance abuse among.
Speaking at the breakfast meeting Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Curative Services, emphasized the importance of early antenatal care for mothers to minimize the risk of preterm deliveries.
“Attending antenatal care is crucial for mothers. We urge husbands to support their wives in attending a minimum of eight antenatal visits. Unfortunately, in Uganda, women typically attend only about half of the recommended visits,” noted Olaro
World Prematurity Day is observed annually on November 17 to raise awareness about preterm birth challenges and promote actions to prevent and care for preterm babies. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) worldwide each year. 1 million preterm babies die annually, making preterm birth the leading cause of death among children under 5.