A free medical camp organized at Butembe landing site in Nyenga division, Namabu ward, Buikwe district attracted hundreds of expectant mothers.
At the health camp, pregnant mothers were urged to stick to health centres for proper medication.
The call was made by medical specialists from St. John Ambulance Uganda during a one-day health outreach at the landing site.
Despite the previous outreaches, medics this time were overwhelmed by the number of pregnant mothers who turned up for various medical services.
Dr Joseph Kasirye said the overwhelming turn-up was an indication that pregnant mothers were progressively shunning away from Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs).
“I am happy that you have turned up in large numbers, but don’t end here because health outreaches are not daily programs. So, I urge you to take the chance of the area government health centres available,” Dr Kasirye advised the mothers.
Kasirye explained that the continuous use of health centres or hospitals will automatically see more decline in the maternal mortality rate in the country. Uganda Bureau of Statistics in March 2021 reported that the maternal mortality rate dropped from 438 deaths per 100,000 births in 2011 to 368 deaths per 100,000 in 2021, reflecting a steady decline that began from 2000 onwards.
Other ailments treated
Apart from maternal and child care services, HIV counselling and testing, dental checkups, malaria treatment, cough, flu, hypertension and typhoid, among others were some of the treated illnesses and services offered to residents, free of charge.
Senior clinician Paul Muzaale, said malaria cases were on increase among children and urged parents to ensure that children sleep under mosquito nets.
“Drinking unboiled water is the reason why many children had typhoid, so, parents should endeavour to boil water for their youngsters to drink, and also ensure that they sleep under mosquito nets,” Muzaale said
The health camp came days after the new Commander of St. John Ambulance Uganda, Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, was sworn in at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero in Kampala.
He was sworn in on June 24, 2022, and took over from Prof Gordon Wavamuno in a ceremony that was precided over by Rt. Rev Hannington Mutebi, the Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese.
Several dignitaries graced the event including Christine Nandyose Kasirye, the organisation’s National Executive Secretary, lawyers including Chris Bakiza and religious clerics, among others.
Source: New Vision