Masaka Liberation Square was bustling on May 29th, 2024, as 11 districts gathered for the Pre-eclampsia Month event! Led by the District Health Officers (DHOs) of Greater Masaka, Uganda, it aimed to raise awareness about pre-eclampsia among pregnant mothers. 

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women with normal blood pressure.  

Left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both mother and baby. Early detection and management are crucial in preventing these adverse outcomes. 

The event featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Gonzaga Ssenyondo, a consultant gynecologist at the Masaka Regional Hospital, the Commissioner of Maternal and Child Health, and Dr. Eleanor Nakintu, Programme Director at Babies and Mothers Alive.

Dr. Ssenyondo highlighted the critical issue of delayed health-seeking behavior and the need for stronger community linkages to prevent pre-eclampsia cases. “Drug compliance and adherence are still a challenge. Delayed health-seeking behaviors are a big burden. We need to build linkage systems that can sustainably prevent these cases.”  

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of reaching out to all communities and lauded Living Goods’ door-to-door services for their role in achieving this goal. “My message today is who are we leaving behind and how do we sink our message deeper? I want to appreciate Living Goods for offering the best approach to reach everyone.” 

As an implementing partner focused on maternal and child health, Living Goods plays a vital role in spreading awareness about timely health-seeking behaviors. By delivering services directly to communities, Living Goods empowers mothers to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies. 

The Pre-eclampsia Awareness Day event in Masaka serves as a powerful reminder of the collective effort needed to reduce maternal mortality. Through collaboration, education, and accessible healthcare services, we can create a healthier future for mothers and their children in Greater Masaka and beyond.