After five years of impactful intervention, Uganda Infant mortality rate has declined, Uganda National Bureau of Statistics health survey report has revealed.
The Demographic and Health Survey 2022 report released shows that infant mortality rate reduced from 88 deaths per 1000 live births in 2000/2011 to 36 deaths per 1000 live births in 2022.
The report further show that under five mortality also declined from 151 deaths per 1000 live births to 52 deaths live births in the same period.
State Minister for Finance in a statement Amos Lugolobi thanked UBOS, Ministry of Health, Makerere University, Uinted Nations Family Planning Association (UNFPA) and other stakeholders for joint collaboration that has resulted into impactful success in health index.
He cautioned the bureau to develop and maintain credible national statistical system to manage statistics for the country.
UNDP Representative in Uganda Ms Susan Ngongi stressed the need for good leadership saying its very critical in delivering Demographic Health Survey (UDHS).
“I want to salute the government of Uganda for its continued commitment to building a strong National Statistical System and the UBOS for its technical leadership in ensuring quality and timely production of data and statistics,” She says.
She noted that globally, demographic health surveys are recognized as an important source of data and statistics for national planning processes.
“I am glad that over the years, Uganda’s capacity to design and manage these surveys has become stronger.Thanks to all development patterns who have collaborated with UBOS, “Nongi said.
She expressed gratitude for positive progress improvements in access to maternal health care and steady declines in maternal and childhood mortality rates.
“These and other improvements reflect the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of Government, health workers especially those on the frontlines,” Ngongi emphasized.
She however called for intervention to address teenage pregnancy rates which have remained stagnant for two decades
“We need to take a closer look at evidence-based approaches to information and make health care available for teenagers to protect themselves. Uganda girls become mothers at the age of 14,15,16, and all corresponding to harmful impacts on their lives and the entire society,”Nongi stressed.
Dr Chris Mukiza Executive Director of UBOS emphasised the need for periodic demographic health surveys for better planning purposes.
He said the survey provides indicators on maternal and child mortality, nutrition, malaria, and HIV prevalence among other key health-related statistics and information.
Mukiza said Uganda needs constant data on clean water and sanitation beczyse they are critical aspects of human development processes and require clean data.
According to him UDHS has been implemented in Uganda since 1988 and UBOS has over the years developed sufficient technical capacity to implement such statistical undertakings.
“We have presented UDHS report 2022 in a unique defining factor that we have been able to produce a report without much external technical support. This shows how the government has invested in statistical production and development over the years,” he said.
“I want to thank Ministry of Health for strong synergies and fruitful collaborative efforts that have enabled us to generate these wonderful health indicators. This statistical data and information will enhance the realisation of health development initiatives, “Mukiza added.
