Pader District continues to grapple with maternal and perinatal deaths despite ongoing health dialogues aimed at improving maternal and newborn services.
Dr Michael Ojok, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and the lead facilitator, said the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB)-supported dialogue held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, was intended to review activities in maternity facilities and identify gaps in service delivery. The previous session was held in April 2025.
“Even after the last review, maternal deaths have gone up. Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) looks at each death to understand what happened. It helps us prevent future tragedies,” Dr Ojok said.
He added that the discussions focus on finding solutions rather than blaming midwives, although staff shortages and heavy workloads remain major challenges.
Hannah Apiyo, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, said the dialogues also help refresh midwives’ knowledge and skills. She noted that the district lacks the resources to conduct such trainings independently and therefore relies on partners like UCMB.Apiyo said regular supervision and professional guidance help ensure communities benefit from the dialogues.
Dr Dominic Okidi, the Assistant District Health Officer, said the dialogues encourage midwives to adhere to Ministry of Health guidelines and strengthen professionalism. He warned that high perinatal death rates point to weaknesses in health service delivery and broader development challenges.
Dr Okidi called for improved maternal health services from the village level up to Health Centre IVs. Irene Acayo, a midwife from a private health facility, said the dialogue equipped her with new skills, particularly in managing newborns with breathing difficulties.
“It will help us save more lives,” Acayo said. However, Mwaka Calvin Lukwiya, the LC3 chairperson of Awere Sub-county, emphasised the need for more midwives across health facilities in the district. He urged expectant mothers to follow referral advice from health workers to ensure safe deliveries.Lukwiya dismissed claims that health workers leave facilities early, saying many staff work beyond official hours.
Lilian Abalo, a mother of three and a resident of Ogwaleng Valley in Lagwai Parish, Pader Town Council, who delivered at Pader Health Centre III on February 2, 2025, praised the midwives at the facility, saying they deserved the award given by the Ministry of Health.
According to district records, Pader registered 96 perinatal deaths and four maternal deaths in 2024. Between June 2024 and July 2025, the district recorded 6,592 deliveries, two maternal deaths, and 72 perinatal deaths.
Pajule Health Centre recorded the highest number of perinatal deaths at 41, followed by Puranga Health Centre III with five.
Health officials say most deaths occur when mothers delay reaching health facilities, often after first seeking care from Traditional Birth Attendants. While dialogues are proving useful, officials stress that increased funding, additional staffing, and stronger community awareness are needed to achieve meaningful reductions in maternal and perinatal deaths.
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