October 2016 - Kisowera Primary School playground in Mukono District was filled with activity as Uganda commemorated the Safe Motherhood Day 2016 under the theme ‘Expanded Opportunities for Adolescent Health Services; End Maternal Mortality.' The commemoration focused Adolescent Health services due to high numbers of teenage pregnancy which largely contributes  to maternal mortality.

The Ministry of Health, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), Organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) led the commemoration that attracted participation of a big adolescent population from schools and Civil Society Organisations who carried out HIV counseling and testing, safe male circumcision, blood donation, provided family planning services, and advocated for the safety of mothers.

According to the Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) 2011, 23% of girls aged 15 to 19 years are pregnant or already have a child. 
Accordingly, Mukono district was chosen to host the event because of the high rates of teenage pregnancy  which stand 23%. However, Mukono district was applauded for having 68% of pregnant women deliver at health facilities but advised to address the remaining  32%  of the mothers including teenage mothers who deliver at home or with Traditional Birth Attendants.

In addition, the government tasked community members, parents, district leaders, Members of Parliament and representatives from different sectors and civil society in attendance to step up their role and take action to end teenage pregnancy, stressing the fact that it requires collective effort.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Country Team in Uganda, Ms. Rosa Malango, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda said that, in order for Uganda to significantly reduce new cases of  obstetric fistula and maternal mortality teenage, pregnancy must be stopped. “If we do not address child marriage and teenage pregnancy, we cannot have safe motherhood," she said.

The First Lady of Uganda in remarks read for her by the Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, pledged the support of OAFLA and government as a whole to address health challenges and support any initiative to reduce teenage pregnancy and promote maternal health in Uganda.

WHO supports the Ministry of Health and partners with the technical guidance and policy formulation to improve safety of mothers and curb teenage pregnancies in Uganda.

______________________________________

01 Lady Gloria, WHO Uganda Safe motherhood champion performs a song at the commemoration calling on parents to educate the girl child

02 The UN Country team in Uganda joins midwives to celebrate achievements made in promoting safe motherhood in Uganda