Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - August 28, 2009
Raymond Baguma
Among the 46 countries in the WHO Africa region, only Eritrea, Mauritius, Seychelles and Cape Verde are on track to reach the target by 2015.
The WHO representative in Uganda, Dr. Joaquim Saweka, however, said Uganda had managed to reduce infant mortality rate from 122 to 76 per 1,000 live births between 1991 and 2006.
"The MDG target for Uganda's infant mortality rate is 31 per 1,000 live births by 2015. Sadly, it is out of reach, although potentially, it is achievable. All we need to do is to move away from business as usual," Saweka said.
Addressing the Uganda Paediatric Association's annual scientific conference at Imperial Royale Hotel on Wednesday, Saweka said Uganda would have to pay special attention to infant mortality if it was to achieve the goal.
He asked paediatricians to address the special needs of children by providing centres of excellence in hospitals and researching on the best methods to promote survival of children.
The conference held under the theme, "towards reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality," attracted over 100 paediatricians from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Saweka said more than 10 million children under the age of five die every year globally, 41% of whom are in sub-Saharan Africa and 34% in South East Asia.
In Uganda, the causes of infant deaths include malaria, respiratory tract infections, anaemia, malnutrition and HIV/AIDS.
Asphyxia, pre-maturity and sepsis are leading causes of mortality at birth, Saweka added. Fevers such as pneumonia are on the rise and should be a public health concern, he added.
Other concerns that need to be addressed in order to promote maternal and child health include mothers' nutrition status, poverty, literacy, insecurity and gender marginalisation, according to Saweka.
Dr. Kenya Mugisha, the Director of Clinical Services in the health ministry, called on the health workers to be ethical if they are to mentor and inspire student doctors.
"Are we going to achieve this millennium development goal if we continue with the way we are working? These days, a doctor runs from Mulago to Paragon to Kampala Hospital.
What example are you giving the young ones?" he asked.
090828
NV090828
Copyright © 2009 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .