Uganda urged to expand contraception access to cut maternal deaths

What the report says

Health experts and government stakeholders in Uganda have called for wider access to contraception and family planning, arguing that stronger reproductive health services could help lower maternal deaths, unintended pregnancies, school dropouts and household poverty. The discussion took place at a Media Café held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala on Friday, September 25, and was organised by TIKO with participants from the Ministry of Health, the National Planning Authority and other partners.

According to the Ministry of Health’s Dr John Paul Bagala, Uganda continues to lose women during pregnancy and childbirth, and family planning remains an important tool for preventing avoidable deaths. He said the country’s maternal mortality ratio is still high, while Uganda has also set a goal of reducing it significantly by 2030. He added that the country’s fertility rate remains elevated and that women with multiple pregnancies may face greater health risks.

The meeting also highlighted the broader development impact of contraception. TIKO Country Director Dorah Talanta urged journalists to help spread accurate information about family planning, especially for young women who need access to services and reliable guidance. She linked contraception to keeping girls in school and supporting their future opportunities. Judith Mutabazi of the National Planning Authority said Uganda’s large youth population could support growth, but only if enough jobs and services are available.

The overall message from the forum was that family planning should be seen not only as a health issue but also as part of Uganda’s education, economic and demographic planning. The views reported by Nile Post reflect a wider public health debate in Uganda about how to manage a fast-growing young population while improving maternal outcomes.