Health Leaders in the District Call for Stronger Perinatal Death Audits to Save Newborn Lives.

What the report says

Wakiso District health leaders have called for stronger perinatal death audits after a district Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response review meeting found a major gap in tracking newborn deaths. According to Wakiso District Local Government, officials at the meeting said maternal death auditing had reached full coverage, while perinatal death auditing stood at 30%. The district said better reporting, timely reviews, stronger staff capacity and consistent submission of audit reports were identified as priorities.

The meeting brought together district leaders, health officials and partners focused on maternal and newborn health. Mr. Ssentalo Edward, representing the District Chairperson, urged participants to move beyond recording meeting minutes and focus on practical action to prevent deaths. Assistant Resident District Commissioner Angel Namulimbe also addressed the meeting and highlighted the importance of quality maternal care, while recognising Assistant District Health Officer Betty Nabuganda for supporting a mother during a difficult delivery situation.

Wakiso District Local Government reported that Dr. Sharon Muhimbo, representing the Infectious Disease Institute, pledged continued support to MPDSR committees, Health Sub-District committees and rapid response teams. Ms. Nabuganda cited inadequate ambulance fuel as a key cause of delays in emergency referrals and said she would issue a circular to reactivate Health Sub-District committees to improve coordination at sub-county level.

The district said the meeting ended with commitments to strengthen surveillance and response systems, address logistical barriers, improve accountability and ensure maternal and newborn deaths are reviewed to guide better service delivery. Perinatal death audits are generally used to identify avoidable delays or care gaps around stillbirths and early newborn deaths.