Uganda has received global recognition for its remarkable leadership in implementing effective strategies for Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR). The country’s commitment to combating maternal and perinatal deaths has been praised during the 5-day Global Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Technical Working Group meeting held in Kampala from March 11th to 15th, 2024.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, officially inaugurated the event at the Protea Hotel in Kampala. In her opening address, Dr. Atwine highlighted Uganda’s exceptional progress in maternal death notification, with a rate exceeding 90%, as well as its high rates of review to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Dr. Atwine stressed the significance of comparing legal frameworks pertaining to MPDSR in order to identify areas for improvement. She emphasized that addressing concerns associated with maternal and perinatal deaths requires a collaborative effort and a comprehensive understanding of the legal regulations in place. Dr. Atwine underlined the commitment of Uganda to make maternal and newborn health a priority for all stakeholders involved in the healthcare sector.
“It is also important to compare legal framework most especially in regulation to identify areas for strengthening. At the country level, we are making issues of Maternal and New born Health everyone’s business,” Atwine said
Accurate data collection was also emphasized by Dr. Atwine as a vital component in tracking the progress made in reducing maternal and perinatal mortalities. By continuously monitoring and analyzing aggregated information on maternal and perinatal deaths, healthcare professionals and policymakers can take meaningful actions to prevent future deaths effectively.
The MPDSR initiative was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the goal of preventing avoidable maternal mortality through a comprehensive cycle of action and surveillance. The process involves the interpretation and analysis of obtained data, leading to the formulation of recommended actions that can effectively address the root causes of maternal and perinatal deaths.
