Health Leaders in the District Call for Stronger Perinatal Death Audits to Save Newborn Lives.

Health leaders in the district have called for urgent action to strengthen perinatal death auditing as part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
The call was made during a district Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) review meeting, where officials noted that while maternal death auditing has achieved 100% coverage, perinatal death auditing remains at only 30%. Participants agreed that improving reporting, timely audits, staff capacity, and submission of reports will help identify preventable causes of newborn deaths and improve health outcomes.
Representing the District Chairperson, Mr. Ssentalo Edward emphasised the need for tangible action.
“Addressing the issue of mothers is critical. The mothers we have lost deserve to be forever honoured. Let this meeting produce action, not minutes, because every death prevented is a gain to the district,” he said.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Ms. Angel Namulimbe, shared a personal experience to highlight the importance of quality maternal healthcare and challenged health workers to take proactive steps to save lives. She also recognised Ms. Betty Nabuganda for her dedication in assisting a mother to deliver under difficult circumstances, describing such commitment as an example of selfless service.
Representing the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), Dr. Sharon Muhimbo reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response committees, Health Sub-District committees, and rapid response teams to strengthen maternal and newborn health services.
The Assistant District Health Officer, Ms. Betty Nabuganda, identified inadequate ambulance fuel as one of the major factors contributing to delays in emergency referrals. She pledged to issue a circular reactivating Health Sub-District (HSD) committees to strengthen coordination and oversight at the sub-county level.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by district leaders and development partners to strengthen MPDSR systems, address logistical challenges, improve accountability, and ensure that every maternal and newborn death is reviewed to inform better service delivery and prevent future loss of life.