SML News UG Hosts Groundbreaking Conference to Save Uganda’s Newborns
Every Newborn Deserves a Chance at Life: Uganda’s National Kuza Babies Care & Conference 2024
The current infant mortality rate for Uganda in 2024 is 38.015 deaths per 1000 live births, a 2.95% decline from 2023. The infant mortality rate for Uganda in 2023 was 39.171 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.43% decline from 2022.
Despite the decline, infant mortality rates remain a pressing concern, with figures still above the targets outlined in the third National Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals. To tackle this, we need to address the socioeconomic barriers hindering progress.
These among others include;
Healthcare Funding: The budget for health programs has been cut, from UGX 4,739.1 billion to UGX 4,179.3 billion in FY 2022/23, limiting access to essential healthcare services ¹.
Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: Uganda faces a severe shortage of doctors, with a doctor-patient ratio of 1:25,000, exacerbating healthcare disparities in rural areas.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence: HIV infection and low CD4 counts increase infant mortality rates, emphasizing the need for integrated HIV/AIDS and maternal/child health initiatives.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): GBV perpetuates poverty, inequality, and maternal/infant mortality, requiring multifaceted interventions prioritizing prevention, protection, and support services.
As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility, SML News UG a leading media and Communications Company, is dedicated to tackling Uganda’s alarming neonatal mortality rate of 45,000 new born babies lost annually, through the National Kuza Babies Care & Conference 2024.
In partnership with key stakeholders, this groundbreaking conference will convene at Jinja Secondary School from December 13-15, 2024, under the compelling theme: ‘Save a Baby, Save a Nation’.”
The Kuza National Babies Care & Conference seeks to:
Amplify voices and responsibilities for the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
Bring together stakeholders to address neonatal, pediatric, and child healthcare challenges.
Provide a platform for sharing best practices, research, and innovations.
And increase male participation in child upbringing among others.
“We believe that every newborn deserves a chance at life. Through the Kuza National Babies Care & Conference, we aim to mobilize stakeholders, share knowledge, and inspire action to reduce neonatal mortality in Uganda.” – Naherya .M. Liznile, Chief Operations Officer SML News UG.
This ground breaking exciting event will feature;
Expert Insights: Keynote addresses by esteemed healthcare experts
Industry Dialogue: Panel discussions
Innovation Showcase: Exhibition of cutting-edge healthcare solutions
Recognition Awards: Awards ceremony honoring exceptional healthcare professionals, fathers, and mothers
Community Engagement: Outreach programs
Entertainment:
Band Procession
Baby Races
Quiz Competition
Celebrity Meet & Greet: Photography opportunities with influential people and celebrities, featuring adorable babies.
Naherrya’s Call to Action: “We invite individuals, organizations, and corporations to: attend the conference and participate in interactive sessions, provide financial support, and join the movement to save Uganda’s newborns and mothers.”
Jinja was chosen as the location for the National Kuza Babies Care & Conference 2024, due to its critical need for improved maternal and child healthcare. According to the Ministry of Health, St. Gonzaga Budini Health Center IV reported the highest number of neonatal mortality deaths, with 460 cases between April and June this year. Furthermore, the Busoga region, where Jinja is located, faces alarming rates of teenage pregnancies and maternal mortality.
The statistics are staggering, with Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio standing at 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, and 17.2% of these deaths occurring among women aged 15-19. Additionally, one in four Ugandan women has given birth by the age of 18. The region’s high teenage pregnancy rates and maternal mortality rates underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions.
By hosting the conference in Jinja, SML News UG aims to address these pressing issues and bring together stakeholders to find solutions. The event will focus on saving newborns and mothers. It’s a crucial step towards improving healthcare outcomes in the region and nationwide.
