[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Despite the remarkable strides Uganda has made in reducing maternal mortality rates, dropping from 336 to 189 deaths per 1,000 live births, as reported in the 2022 Uganda Demographics and Health Survey, sepsis remains a significant threat, steadily increasing from 8,110 cases in 2021 to 10,233 in 2023, making it the third leading cause of maternal and newborn deaths.
This is because the country’s efforts to combat maternal mortality have primarily focused on addressing postpartum hemorrhage and preeclampsia, which, while successful, have inadvertently shifted resources away from managing maternal and perinatal sepsis-related deaths.
Sepsis in mothers and newborns is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation. This can lead to organ failure and even death if left untreated.
What causes sepsis in newborns?
Newborns can develop sepsis if they’re exposed to bacteria during birth, especially if the mother has an infection or if the baby is premature. Infections from the mother’s genital tract, urinary tract, or bloodstream can pass to the baby during delivery. Common bacteria that cause sepsis in newborns include group B streptococcus, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Symptoms of sepsis in newborns
Newborns with sepsis may show nonspecific symptoms, such as: diminished spontaneous activity, less vigorous sucking, anorexia, apnea, bradycardia, and temperature instability.
Certain factors increase the risk of sepsis in newborns, these among others include;
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Prolonged rupture of membranes
• Maternal infection or colonization with group B streptococcus.
Sepsis in mothers
Mothers can also develop sepsis, especially if they have:
• Infections during pregnancy or after delivery
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Weakened immune system.
To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Health’s National Safe Motherhood Expect Committee (NASMEC) is launching a nationwide campaign, ‘Two lives one fight: Stop sepsis in mother and newborns’ on 21st November, 2024, at the Jinja Referral Hospital aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the often-overlooked burden of maternal and newborn sepsis.
According to Dr. Yiya Alfred, Hospital Director at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, intensified awareness and advocacy efforts targeting key stakeholders is crucial in addressing the neglected issue of maternal and newborn sepsis, which will, in turn, significantly reduce mortality rates and protect the lives of mothers and newborns.'”
“This campaign aims to combat maternal and newborn sepsis through a three-pronged approach. First, we will raise awareness by educating stakeholders on the devastating risks and consequences of sepsis. Next, we will advocate for change by pushing for increased resources and focus on managing sepsis-related deaths. Ultimately, we will mobilize action by encouraging communities to take proactive steps against sepsis, fostering a collective commitment to preventing unnecessary losses and ensuring the well-being of mothers and newborns”. Dr. Yiya Alfred emphasized.
Campaign Activities:
• Launch Event: November 21, 2024, at the Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
• 10-Day Awareness Drive: November 21-30, 2024, targeting relevant stakeholders and communities.
This initiative is a crucial step towards addressing the neglected burden of maternal and newborn sepsis in Uganda. By joining forces, stakeholders can make a difference and protect the lives of mothers and newborns.
To all mothers, remember: Sepsis can be devastating, but early intervention can be lifesaving. If you or your newborn show symptoms, don’t hesitate – seek medical help immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage and ensuring a bright future for your family.
Even in academic or medical documentation, accuracy matters — much like a ghostwriter bachelorarbeit (German: “ghostwriter for a bachelor’s thesis”), where clarity and precision save time, in healthcare early clarity and precision save lives.
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