UNAU action towards combating maternal death-in uganda

Uganda’s maternal mortality rate continues at an unacceptably high level. While maternal mortality figures vary widely by source and are highly controversial, the best estimates for Uganda suggest that roughly between 6,500 and 13,500 women and girls die each year due to pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, another 130,000 to 405,000 women and girls will suffer from disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy. i.e. at least sixteen women die every day in Uganda due to maternal related issues.

In 08^th to 09^th July 2011UNA-Uganda organised a conference "UMUN 2011" at Nkumba University to sensitise the youth about maternal related issues. The conference theme “Combating Maternal Death -putting the youth at the frontline in order to realize the MDGs.” aimed at mobilising the youth to fight against the increasing maternal death rate in the country. At Nkumba University over 200 youth from different schools and Universities converged to discuss and provide resolutions to curb the current problem in the country.

As per the declarations agreed on during the conference. UNA-Uganda in conjunction with Makerere University Business School (MUBS) chapter called upon the youth to engage in a MUBS Health Service Centre clean up drive on 1st October 2011. At the health center the youth scrubbed floors, wiped windows glasses, picked trash surrounding centre and washed the centers wash rooms as step symbolizing the youth uniting against maternal death. More follow activities are being carried to help realise the cause of UMUN 2011.