Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released results for the Uganda demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022 , showing a steady decline in fertility rate in women from 2006 and 2022 from 6.7 to 5.2 children born per woman.
On average, between 2016 and 2022 the total fertility dropped by 1 child born per woman thus making the current fertility rate to be 5.1 children per woman.
In terms of region, Karamoja is still leading with 6.7, followed by Bukedi with 6.5, Busoga 5.7 , Bunyoro 5.7, Teso 5.4, Toro 5.3 , Acholi 5.2 , Buganda 4.9, Elgon 4.8 ,Ankole 4.7, Ankole 4.7, Kampala 3.7
“43% of married women in Uganda are currently using a method of family planning. Almost all of them (38%) use a modern method. The most popular modern method is injectables, followed implants and condoms. Almost half of sexually active unmarried women are using modern methods of family planning.” reads part of the survey report
The findings revealed that Childhood mortality generally decreased between 2000-01 and 2022. Since 2011, the points estimates for infant mortality and under five mortality have decreased.
“Nationally, 55% of children age 12-23 months have received all 8 basic vaccinations. For the DPT and Polio series, you can see that while about 9 in 10 Children receive the first dose, there is noticeable drop-off for the 2nd and 3rd doses. 74% receive the measles vaccine. 6 percent of children age 12-23 months have received no vaccines.”
As far as Child growth is concerned, the report shows that currently 30% of children are stunted, or too short
for their age. 11% are underweight, 3% are wasted and 4% are overweight. Stunting, wasting, and underweight have decreased since 2007. Overweight has remained relatively unchanged.
“Health facility deliveries have increased markedly since 2000-01, when fewer than half of births were delivered in a health facility and 61% were delivered at home. Now, more than 80% of births occur in health facilities.”
The survey went further and shown that 72% of births are assisted by a skilled provider. Nurse/midwives/physician’s assistants are the most common birth attendant.
