NTUNGAMO – UGANDA
Health authorities in Ntungamo District have issued a strong warning to expectant mothers against relying on traditional herbal remedies during pregnancy, saying the practice is contributing to preventable maternal and newborn deaths due to delayed access to professional medical care.
The warning was delivered by the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health, Sister Beatrice Chemisto, while addressing the media at the Ntungamo District headquarters on Tuesday.
Sister Chemisto said the district has registered an increasing number of cases where expectant mothers first seek treatment from traditional birth attendants and herbalists before reporting to health facilities when their conditions have already deteriorated.
According to her, the delays often result in severe pregnancy-related complications, including high blood pressure, excessive bleeding, prolonged labour, and, in extreme cases, emergency removal of the uterus to save the mother’s life.
She identified Kitwe, Kishami, and parts of Itojo Sub-county as some of the areas most affected by the continued reliance on traditional herbal medicine during pregnancy.
Sister Chemisto urged all pregnant women to attend antenatal care clinics throughout their pregnancies and ensure they deliver in accredited health facilities where skilled health workers can promptly detect and manage complications.
The Medical Superintendent of Itojo Hospital, Dr. Twesiime Innocent, echoed the concerns, saying many mothers postpone visiting nearby health centres and instead combine prescribed medicines with herbal remedies from traditional healers.
He warned that mixing herbal medicine with conventional drugs can complicate treatment, making it difficult for health workers to effectively manage patients and increasing the risk of life-threatening complications for both mothers and their babies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mugumya Sebastian, the Officer in Charge of Kitwe Health Centre IV, said the facility has stepped up community sensitization campaigns aimed at encouraging expectant mothers to seek antenatal services early and deliver under the care of qualified health professionals.
He said health workers are working closely with local leaders and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of home deliveries and the importance of timely medical care during pregnancy.
In the same appeal, Dr. Kansiime Julius, the Officer in Charge of Ntungamo Health Centre IV, called on families, spouses, and communities to play a more active role in supporting expectant mothers by ensuring they attend antenatal clinics, receive proper nutrition, and access health facilities without delay whenever complications arise.
Health officials say improving timely access to skilled maternal healthcare remains one of the most effective ways of reducing maternal and newborn deaths in Ntungamo District, urging communities to abandon harmful practices and embrace safe, evidence-based healthcare throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
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