Problems Facing Uganda
Child Mortality
Problem:
Currently, Uganda’s under five mortality rate is 131 per 1,000 live births, the highest rate in East Africa.
Although child mortality has been on the decline, a new report shows that Uganda is one of 24 developing countries where 100 deaths per 1,000 live births are still registered. http://www.monitor.co.ug
Although child mortality has been on the decline, a new report shows that Uganda is one of 24 developing countries where 100 deaths per 1,000 live births are still registered. http://www.monitor.co.ug
Causes:
The president of the Uganda Pediatrics Association, Dr Jane Achan, said malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea malnutrition and HIV/Aids are the major causes of child deaths in the country. Although most of these diseases are preventable, Dr Achan said interventions have fallen short of universal coverage and many children are being left out. “Mosquito net coverage is, for instance, at only 45 per cent, few children are on oral rehydration therapy or Zinc for diarrhea and even fewer on PMTCT. We are not achieving any universal coverage for interventions and it needs to be scaled up and sustained,” she said. http://www.monitor.co.ug
Solution:
In Africa, the AfDB is working together with the Ugandan Ministry of Health to improve access to high-quality and affordable health care services for the Kampala Metropolitan area, particularly for those who need it most. Launched in August, 2012, The Improvement of the Kampala City Health Services Project will rehabilitate and upgrade the Mulango National Referral Hospital and upgrade two health centres at Kawempe and Kirrudu into general hospitals.The project will have significant health and socio-economic impacts, as a result of improved access to quality health care for an estimated three million persons, an estimated 39 per cent of whom live in poverty. It will address the disparities in access to specialized health services, particularly for women. http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events