By: Melanie Aanyu

Uganda loses 400 newborns every week or an average of 57 per day, the Assistant Commissioner for Reproductive and Infant Health, Dr Richard Mugahi, has revealed.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Pre-Maturity 2022 in Kampala yesterday, Dr Mugahi last evening confirmed the high number of newborn fatalities .

Dr Mugahi said premature babies face difficulty in breathing, feeding, maintaining body warmth and are susceptible to infection, presenting high challenges to themselves and their mothers.

He added that those that survive are more likely to have delayed organ and body development and suffer visual impairment.

The assistant commissioner proposed that a mechanism be found for financial and psycho-social support to mothers nursing preterm babies.

He added that the biggest challenge they have is the shortage of Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at the country’s health facilities.