Zombo District & Alur Kingdom Launch Joint Drive to End Home Births, Curb Maternal Mortality

Zombo District and Alur Kingdom Launch Joint Drive to End Home Births, Curb Maternal Mortality

Zombo, Uganda : In a landmark collaboration, the Zombo District Health Office and the Alur Kingdom have launched a major community initiative to eliminate home deliveries and dramatically reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

District Health Officer Dr. Mark Bramali, addressing the Alur Kingdom’s Prime Minister (Jadipu), sounded the alarm on preventable fatalities. He revealed that 40% of births in Zombo still occur at home without skilled care, heightening the risk of deadly complications like severe bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage), sepsis, and obstructed labour.

“Home deliveries remain a leading, preventable cause of maternal and perinatal deaths in our district,” Dr. Bramali stated.

The new programme calls on the Alur Kingdom to use its deep cultural influence and grassroots networks to mobilize couples to use professional antenatal care, facility-based delivery, and postnatal services. Community dialogues have already begun in high-burden areas, including Juloka Jupa Jalubinyu and Warr Town Council.

During discussions, some participants proposed traditional fines for couples choosing home delivery. While acknowledging the idea’s intent, district and kingdom leaders clarified that any penalties must first be formalized through a District Council bylaw and officially gazetted. They cited an instance where Rwoth Jalubinyu collected a goat as a fine; such actions have now been suspended pending legal approval.

The campaign aligns with the Ministry of Health’s strategic plan to cut maternal and perinatal mortality by at least 30% through improved emergency obstetric care and community mobilization. Nationally, Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio remains high at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, with home births significantly contributing to the toll.

Health officials emphasize that nearly all maternal deaths from major causes are preventable with timely access to emergency care.

The partnership will expand with community meetings, radio talk shows, and village health teams to promote a full continuum of maternal and child health services across Zombo District.