For Andrew Kyamagero, a young father, the unfortunate truth that his motherland has high maternal mortality rates, which is often reflective of access to poor health care services breaks his heart every morning.
And discussing with friends the recently released Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 preliminary findings which show that neonatal mortality rate for 2011 and 2016 has remained the same, 27 per 1000 live births is ‘really bad news’, the award-winning radio personality tells TheUgandan.
“This is what I call “BAD news” and I refer to newborns (and stillbirths who are actually not reported in this preliminary report) as “the forgotten children” of Uganda,” he said. “Women also die as a result of complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth.”
Looking concerned, Kyamagero continues to elaborate how the major complications include severe bleeding, infections, unsafe abortion and obstructed labor. “We live in Kampala but have relatives and friends upcountry who suffer daily. It is imperative for us young people all to join forces to make it better for mothers in this country.”
Kyamagero, morning show presenter at Kasanga-based 102.1 Galaxy FM adds, “We can sit back and look yet our motherland needs our hands, brains and a good progress in helping improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality by at least 75%, like the Millennium Development Goal number 5 advises.”
In practical terms, our reporter who is acquainted with Kyamagero couldn’t believe that the media man is familiar with health-related issues.
Over a year ago (February 15, 2016), Kyamagero’s fiancee, Linda gave birth to Mandela Enzo Kyamagero, their firstborn son. Since then, Kyamagero the free and joking guy reformed from a legit drunkard that would clear up a bottle of Jameson whiskey to a family man and maternal health enthusiast.
And there is more reason to celebrate this young man and his friends’ efforts.
They started the Hike for Maternal Life, a charity event intended to raise funds for mothers and their babies.
Last weekend, Kyamagero and his ‘Hike for Maternal Life’ friends were in Eastern Uganda and all the proceeds they collected went to Mbale Hospital.
They gave out 10,000 reusable sanitary pads, mama kits among other things to the maternity ward of the Hospital.
“All of us the participating personalities went to Wanale Hill. The hike’s overall goal is to use community tourism to raise funds and material to support and promote maternal and child health outcomes in Mbale district so that our women do not have to die for trying to give life,” a hearty Kyamagero said. “We laughed about a couple of Kenyan friends enjoying the experience more.”
The inaugural Hike for Maternal Life, was arranged by Makutano Safaris that is headed by the youthful Baker Masheta.
“As a media man, I advise travel companies can only interest Ugandans with tours if they can tag these tours to any other activity like health and sport.”
Photography by Dazzle Jam
