Nabbanja pledges govt support to midwives

__________________

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, has assured midwives that the government is committed to addressing the challenges they face.

Nabbanja, who was the chief guest at the International Midwives' Day celebrations held at the Booma Grounds in Hoima city on Monday, May 5, said the government would tackle the issues raised by midwives one by one.

However, she cautioned midwives against taking out large loans from financial institutions, saying the resulting financial stress often leads to absenteeism from their duty stations.



Nabbanja also pledged to support the midwives’ SACCO with sh50 million from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The International Midwives' Day was held under the theme “Midwives Critical in Every Crisis.”

Government-employed midwives raised several concerns that they say hinder their ability to provide quality healthcare services.

Evelyn Achayo, the Senior Principal Nursing Officer at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, revealed that wage shortfalls and lack of study leave have limited opportunities for promotion.



Annet Evelyn Kanyunyuzi, President of the National Midwives Association, stated that midwives are often marginalised during decision-making processes in times of crisis.



Agnes Babo Chandia, Commissioner for Nursing and Midwifery, noted that midwives continue to be overwhelmed by the high number of clients they are expected to serve.