Health 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Urgent Action Required to Curb Uganda's High Maternal Death Rates
Uganda's maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high at 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, mainly from haemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive disorders during childbirth and postpartum. Despite progress, targeted investments in training, facilities, and equipment are essential to meet global goals and prevent avoidable deaths. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/editorial/maternal-deaths-deliberate-interventions-are-needed-5433262
Uganda continues to face a severe crisis in maternal health, with far too many women losing their lives due to complications tied to pregnancy and childbirth. According to World Health Organization data from 2025, the country’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 189 per 100,000 live births, with most fatalities occurring around delivery or shortly after from issues like haemorrhage, infections, and hypertensive conditions.
Reproductive health problems rank prominently among the top causes of death for women in Uganda. Pre-term birth complications account for 26.3 per 100,000 population, cervix uteri cancer for 19.3, and maternal conditions for 18.3, highlighting the urgent need for focused interventions.
The global call ‘No mother should die while giving life’ underscores that these tragedies are largely preventable with prompt medical responses and adequate resources. Women’s bodies undergo immense strain during pregnancy, making expert care critical.
Health workers in maternity services require advanced training, backed by proper infrastructure and equipment. Without these, efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1—reducing MMR below 70 per 100,000 by 2030—will fall short.
Progress has been made, dropping from 418 per 100,000 in 2006 to 336 in 2016 and now 189. Yet challenges persist: overcrowded wards, mothers on floors or sharing beds, shortages of mama kits, and overburdened staff.
Given known causes like haemorrhage, infections, and hypertension, the nation must implement deliberate strategies to address them effectively.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)