Health ministry PS Diana Atwine attributed the district’s progress to committed leadership and a dedicated workforce, particularly Community Health Extension Workers, whose door-to-door campaigns have boosted preventive care and health facility usage.
The Ministry of Health has commended Namutumba District for remarkable improvements in healthcare, particularly in maternal health, malaria control, and access to medical services.
Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine praised the district’s maternal health progress, highlighting that 4,399 women—73% of expectant mothers—delivered in health facilities, with 99% of the newborns in perfect health.
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Caesarean deliveries accounted for 6% of total births, while antenatal care at the fourth visit fluctuated between 46% and 51% from July to December 2024.
Postnatal attendance stood at 55.6%, and family planning services reached 11,603 users.
Immunisation coverage was also notable, with BCG at 84% and other vaccines at 57%.
The district achieved significant gains in tuberculosis management, with detection rates reaching 76% and an 80.9% treatment success rate.
Sanitation also improved, with latrine coverage at 83%. However, outpatient visits declined from 27,387 in July to 19,626 in November, before rising slightly to 21,078 in December.
Inpatient admissions dropped by 19% over the same period. While the decline may indicate better disease prevention, officials say continued monitoring is needed.
Malaria control efforts showed progress, with the malaria test positivity rate falling from 34.6% to 29.8% between July and December 2024.
The district recorded 14 deaths during this period, including three from malaria.
“We are likely to write to NMS to halt the supply of anti-malarials,” said Dr. James Kirya, the district health officer.
Lands Minister and Namutumba Woman MP Persis Namuganza acknowledged a significant reduction in malnutrition cases.
The district has also expanded healthcare infrastructure, with Nsinze Health Centre IV now offering blood transfusion services and a fully operational Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Solar-powered fridges have been installed in all facilities to support immunization, while Magada Health Centre III is being upgraded to Health Centre IV.
Atwine attributed the district’s progress to committed leadership and a dedicated workforce, particularly Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), whose door-to-door campaigns have boosted preventive care and health facility usage.
Despite these achievements, major challenges persist. The health sector is operating at only 33% of the required staffing level, with just 440 personnel instead of the needed 1,347.
Two lower local governments lack health facilities, and only nine out of 20 local governments have operational Health Centre III facilities. Teenage pregnancy remains high at 21.5%.
“Despite limited infrastructure, resources, and a rapidly growing population, we continue to make strides in ensuring healthcare access for all,” said Chief Administrative Officer Emmanuel Ofwono.
Namutumba’s progress stands as a testament to the impact of dedicated health teams and sustained political advocacy, proving that significant improvements can be achieved even in resource-constrained settings.
