HOIMA PREGNANT MOTHERS ADVISED TO ADHERE WITH ANTENATAL CARE GUIDELINES

By Innocent Atuganyira
In Hoima

Pregnant mothers in Hoima have been challenged to adhere to the antenatal care guidelines in order to save the lives of their babies and themselves before, during, and after delivery.

The health officials attribute maternal and child mortality rates to failure to adhere to antenatal care guidelines.

Mr. Kwikiriza Richard, the health officer in charge for Buraru Health Centre III in Buraru sub-county, explains that majority of the complications they register from expectant mothers are as a result of delays or failure to report for antenatal care services.

According to him, antenatal care is vital in helping to screen for life-threatening conditions, get important immunizations, and receive essential medical services before delivery.

The antenatal visits were increased from six to now eight before delivery.

Mr. Kwikiriza was speaking recently while receiving a tricycle village ambulance donated by Ms. Byaruhanga Hope Magrate, a Rotarian.

Ms. Byaruhanga said her intervention was a result of reports that mothers were facing complications in accessing health services.

‘’My intervention was a result of reports that mothers were facing complications in accessing health services,’’ she said.

The Bugahya County Member of Parliament, Hon. Pius Wakabi, challenged for more antenatal care outreaches in rural villages since they have now received a tricycle village ambulance.

He also challenged the pregnant mothers to embrace antenatal services in order to give birth to healthier babies and make good use of the tricycle village ambulance.