KAMPALA – The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has reiterated the Church’s commitment to advocating for better family health and sustainable maternal and child health.
Interfaith Alliance for Health. (Courtesy photo)
He made these remarks this morning at the interfaith pre-safe motherhood conference held at Serena Hotel in Kampala, organized by Faith for Family Health (3FHi). The event also saw the launch of the Interfaith Alliance for Health.
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“Our theme, ‘Strengthening Community Engagement for Sustainable Maternal and Child Health,’ aligns with the responsibility we bear as religious leaders. Church of Uganda is committed to advocating for the well-being of women, children, and adolescents for the better future of our families, communities, and the nation,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He highlighted Uganda’s significant progress in improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) indicators, including a reduction in maternal mortality from 336 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, as per the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2024. The Archbishop commended the Ministry of Health for these strides but emphasized the need to address persistent challenges.
“Despite these gains, far too many mothers and children are still lost to preventable causes such as obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis. It is very sad to see mothers dying at the hands of traditional birth attendants, a practice that was phased out. The high rate of teenage pregnancy and increasing HIV infections among adolescents and young people are particularly concerning,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He urged the Ministry of Health and stakeholders to act swiftly, emphasizing the faith community’s pivotal role in advocating for the health and dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable. He called for religious leaders to be considered as Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to further strengthen community health systems.
“Our collective voice as religious leaders reaches beyond the walls of clinics and hospitals. Through our sermons, community outreach, and pastoral counseling, we can promote healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and thriving children,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
Rt Rev Amos Magezi, the Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese, a Board Member of 3FHi who moderated the conference called for continued support for the Interfaith Alliance for Health, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable health solutions.
Jackie Katana, the Executive Director of Faith for Family Health (3FHi), called for increased financing for religious leaders to enable them to champion maternal health advocacy.
“Religious leaders are trusted voices in our communities. With proper support and resources, they can significantly influence positive health outcomes. We need to ensure that they are adequately funded to carry out their crucial roles in advocating for maternal and child health,” Katana said.
The commitments made at the conference will inform a statement to be shared at the national Safe Motherhood Conference on 29th October 2024.
The interfaith pre-safe motherhood conference brought together leaders from various faith communities to share best practices and reaffirm their commitment to improving maternal and child health in Uganda.
