Source: All Africa
The queen of Buganda, Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, has decried the high number of maternal deaths and HIV prevalence among mothers in Kayunga District.
Responding to a report by the Kayunga District director of health services, Dr Ahmed Matovu, who said every month at least one expectant mother dies during labour in the district, the Nnabagereka said expectant mothers should be encouraged to get antenatal care so as to curb the deaths.
She discouraged reliance on traditional birth attendants.
"The health of expectant mothers and children should be a priority," the Nnabagereka said. According to Dr Matovu, only 32 per cent of mothers go for antenatal care leading to deaths of 23 per cent children before the age of five years.
The Nnabagereka was last week speaking during a health seminar organised by her office at Kitimbwa Roman Catholic Primary School in Wabwoko sub-county.
The Nnabagereka also called on residents to fight HIV through behavioral change. Dr Matovu told the Nnabagereka that the district was still grappling with high HIV prevalence, which stands at 9 per cent.
The Nnabagereka asked residents to do away with cultural practices that do not lead to the development of society.
Buganda health minister, Dr Ben Mukwaya, asked parents to keep their children in school if they are to guarantee a brighter future for them.