Tanzania: Kagera Takes Measures to Fight Maternal Deaths

Posted on : Saturday , 6th September 2014

Bukoba — LEADERS in Kagera Region have been urged to take a holistic approach to ensure that no woman dies due to pregnancy related complications.

The call was made here on Friday by the Bukoba District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Hamza Magulu, during a stakeholders' meeting to discuss implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He noted that Bukoba District recorded impressive achievement in Safe Motherhood from 22 per cent recorded last year to 34 per cent, this year.

The district's target was to achieve 60 per cent by 2015, he said. "As we sit here today, a pregnant woman/child is dying due to preventable diseases. We have to ensure that such deaths are controlled," he said.

He said a total of 66 women died last year while 21 deaths were recorded between January-to March, this year due to pregnancy complications.

He attributed the deaths due to excessive bleeding (PPH), Eclampsis, Sepsis, Malaria and obstructed labour. According to Dr Magulu, a total of 20,746 women received safe motherhood services, implying 34 per cent of the expected 60,836 women.

He cited problems facing delivery of quality service to include lack of enough delivery centres and shortage of medical drugs. According to 2008/09 Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey (THMIS), Kagera Region had Malaria prevalence of between 42 per cent. However, due to concerted efforts the prevalence dropped to 10.0 per cent by last year.

Lindi Region has 35 per cent, Mtwara Region has 34 per cent, Mwanza Region has 31 per cent while Mara Region has 30 per cent. Malaria is still a leading killer disease claiming almost 700,000 lives in Africa annually.

Out of the number, 595,000 of them were young children. With just a few years remaining before the deadline set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), malaria is one of the deadliest diseases, particularly in Africa.

The Bukoba District Commissioner (DC), Ms Zipporah Pangani, said the government would employ competent health workers to mitigate shortage of medical staff.