Expectant Mothers Shun Antenatal Care Services in Lwengo

Lwengo district authorities are worried by the high number of expectant mothers who  shun antenatal care services in the district.

A survey carried out by the district authorities recently revealed that pregnant mothers prefer going to traditional birth attendants than health units.

George Mutabazi, the Lwengo district chairperson while addressing the media on Friday revealed that the practice has led to an increase in the mortality rate in the district.  

He says that most cases have been reported in areas of Kyazanga, Ndagwe, Kyawagonya, Kakunyu, Mbirizi, Mayira and Kingo among other areas in Lwengo district.  

Mutabazi has warned traditional birth attendants against carrying out deliveries saying that they should instead advise mothers to attend antenatal care services and seek proper medical attention in health facilities.

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Records show that last month four cases of mothers dying at traditional birth attendants were reported in Lwengo district.

Dr Joseph Mutyangoma, the Lwengo district health officer says that traditional birth attendants have limited knowledge to detect complications although mothers trust them.

He says that though they have greatly improved health care at the district health units mothers are still reluctant to seek medical services over lame excuses of health centers being stuck with lack of drugs yet this problem was addressed. He dismissed claims of health centers being far.

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Mutyangoma has, however, called upon the public and leaders to join the fight against mothers delivering at TBAs because mothers shunning antenatal services is the leading cause of mortality rate. 

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Annet Namwanje, an expectant mother in Kyanzanga town council says that mothers are still reluctant at seeking medical services from public health units because of rude midwives.

She says that some midwives make delivering so hard yet TDAs are always encouraging and simple on mothers during labor time.     

Lwengo has 3 health center ivs in areas of Kyazanga, Lwengo town council and Kiwangala which according to health authorities have greatly helped in improving of health services.