The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has underscored the Church’s dedication to promoting family health, particularly in the areas of maternal and child well-being.
Speaking at the interfaith pre-safe motherhood conference in Kampala, the Archbishop emphasised the role of faith-based communities in addressing persistent health challenges.
The event, organised by Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi), also witnessed the launch of the Interfaith Alliance for Health, which aims to unite religious leaders in the fight for better healthcare outcomes in Uganda.
“We are committed to advocating for the well-being of women, children, and adolescents to ensure a better future for our families, communities, and the nation,” Archbishop Kaziimba said, while pointing to the need for ongoing community engagement in maternal and child health.
Archbishop Kaziimba highlighted Uganda’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, citing data from the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2024, which shows a drop from 336 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births.
However, he stressed that more needs to be done, especially in combating preventable maternal deaths caused by obstetric complications, teenage pregnancies, and rising HIV infections among young people.
“We cannot stand by as mothers and children die from preventable causes. The high rate of teenage pregnancies and the resurgence of traditional birth attendants, despite their phase-out, are alarming,” he said.
The archbishop urged the Ministry of Health to partner more closely with religious leaders, suggesting that faith leaders could serve as Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to strengthen local health systems. He emphasised the power of religious platforms in spreading critical health messages.
The conference, which drew leaders from various faiths, was moderated by Rt. Rev. Amos Magezi, Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese.
Magezi called for continued collaboration between faith leaders, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable maternal and child health solutions.
Jackie Katana, Executive Director of 3FHi, also advocated for increased funding to enable religious leaders to champion health initiatives.
“Religious leaders are trusted voices in our communities. With proper resources, they can significantly influence positive health outcomes,” she said.
