Hospital Births on the Rise as Uganda Inches Toward Zero Maternal Deaths

By BM

Uganda has recorded a significant increase in the number of mothers delivering in health facilities, with the latest figures showing that 86% of births now take place under skilled care.

The announcement, made ahead of the 5th National Safe Motherhood Conference, Awards and Expo to be held at Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo from 22^nd-24^th October 2025, reflects growing national efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths across the country.

According to Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, the increase is a result of sustained investment in health infrastructure, training, and awareness.

The government has in recent months commissioned more than 420 new Health Centre IVs, expanding access to delivery services in rural and underserved areas.

“This is a major step forward,” Dr. Olaro said. “But we are not resting until we reach 100 percent. No mother should give birth at home or without a skilled birth attendant. That must become a thing of the past.”

The improved facility delivery rate is complemented by antenatal care coverage, which currently stands at 97% for the first visit.

However, only 68% of mothers are completing the recommended four visits, a gap the ministry attributes to late presentation for care. “Many women show up close to delivery, missing out on crucial early interventions,” Dr. Olaro noted. “We need to change that.”

Uganda’s strides in maternal health have attracted praise from development partners.

Juliana Lunguzi, Sexual Reproductive Health Program Coordinator at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), hailed the reduction in maternal mortality, from 336 to 109 deaths per 100,000 live births, as one of the most impressive improvements on the continent.

“This is not a small achievement,” she said. “Few countries in Africa can boast such numbers. But we must be honest that teenage pregnancy, which has stagnated at 24%, continues to undermine our progress.”

Lunguzi called for more action to keep girls in school and ensure access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. She also stressed the need to highlight the work of midwives, who remain the frontline champions of maternal care. “Too often, we only hear of the mistakes,” she said. “But there are thousands of midwives doing incredible work every day to save lives.”

The push for safer motherhood is not the work of the health sector alone.

Dr. Olaro emphasized that a multisectoral approach is crucial, with education, gender, agriculture, water, and ICT sectors all playing important roles. “Keeping girls in school reduces early pregnancies. Proper nutrition prevents birth complications. Access to clean water improves hygiene and reduces infections,” he said. “This is everyone’s responsibility.”

Organisations like Save the Children have also been instrumental in strengthening maternal and newborn health services, particularly in humanitarian and rural settings.

Dr. Douglas Akii Bua, Health and Nutrition Specialist, highlighted the organisation’s work in 25 districts, including training health workers, supplying life-saving equipment, and improving data use for better decision-making.

“We’re focused on making sure mothers and newborns survive no matter where they are,” he said. “Knowledge alone is not enough. We must ensure the tools and systems are in place to act on it.”

Similarly, the Baylor Foundation Uganda, working in over 80 districts, has been refurbishing neonatal units, training health workers, and addressing the so-called “three delays” that prevent timely care: delays in deciding to seek care, reaching a facility, and receiving adequate treatment.

According to the Foundation’s Communications Manager Louisa Kiggwe, these efforts are paying off.

“We’ve seen real reductions in maternal and newborn deaths, and in complications like sepsis and birth asphyxia. That’s something to celebrate and build on,” she said.

As the country prepares for the upcoming Safe Motherhood Conference, set to convene policymakers, health professionals, development partners and young people, the focus will be on sustaining progress and addressing remaining gaps.

Discussions will cover everything from adolescent health and family planning to innovations in maternal care.

But beyond the technical sessions and data, a simple truth remains at the heart of the event that no woman should die while giving life.

Dr. Olaro closed his remarks with a challenge to the media and the wider public: “We all have a role to play. I call on every one of you to be ambassadors for safe motherhood.”

The conference is expected to run for three days in Kampala and will include recognition of individuals and organizations that have gone the extra mile in championing maternal and newborn health.

Among the planned honors is an award for a media personality who has significantly contributed to promoting safe motherhood.

For Uganda, the rise to 86% in facility-based deliveries is more than a statistic; it is a signal of hope and momentum.

And with continued collaboration, the vision of safe motherhood for all Ugandan women and newborns is moving closer to reality.