Severe bleeding and physical violence against mothers remain the leading causes of maternal deaths across Busoga sub-region, a recent Maternal Health Status Report issued by Jinja Regional Referral Hospital indicates.

According to the report, severe bleeding accounts for 25 per cent of maternal deaths registered while indirect causes such as physical violence against the mother are responsible for 19 per cent of pregnancy-related complications.

While releasing the report , Jinja District health educator, Ms Robina Mwangale, said severe bleeding has further been complicated by the fact that nearly 40 per cent of Ugandan women are anemic.

“Cases of mothers dying while pregnant or when giving births are still rampant in the region. We must do everything possible to end this,” Ms Mwangale said.

The report also indicates that infections during pregnancy contribute about 15 per cent while unsafe abortions are responsible for 13 per cent and eclampsia accounts for about 12 per cent of maternal deaths recorded annually.

Records from the referral hospitals in Busoga region also show that there is no single month where no maternal death has been registered.