Bainomugisha Bernadatte
I recently stumbled upon research on the 50 leading causes of death in Uganda and the list, backed by evidence and world rankings was something that swiped my attention. What are the 50 leading causes of death in Uganda? And why are they killing Ugandans? What can we do? I wondered as I started to read.
The 50 leading causes of death speak volumes about our society, what we lack, what we need, and what should be a point of reference for how we improve living standards in Uganda, what should go, and what should stay. A wide range of health challenges in Uganda are reflected, and conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease, influenza, and pneumonia rank among the top contributors. Infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis also remain significant concerns, alongside road traffic accidents and diarrheal diseases. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, liver disease, and hypertension. Additionally, maternal conditions, birth trauma, and low birth weight highlight ongoing challenges in maternal and child health.
From this list, several trends and patterns emerged. Infectious Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, diarrheal diseases, and meningitis came out as significant contributors to mortality. This highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare infrastructure, prevention strategies, and access to treatment for infectious diseases.
Secondly, non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) like stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, hypertension, and cancer (including cervical, prostate, liver, breast, stomach, and lung cancers) are prominent causes of death. This indicates an increasing burden of NCDs, likely influenced by factors such as lifestyle changes, aging, and limited access to healthcare services for prevention and management.
Another highlight was Road traffic accidents, violence, falls, and drownings. This depicts inadequacies related to road safety, public safety, and emergency response systems. Maternal conditions, birth trauma, and low birth weight were also listed among the leading causes of death, citing challenges in maternal and child healthcare services, including access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postnatal support. Suicide also surprisingly came out as a leading cause of death, indicating the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support and resources for mental health care.
Addressing the challenges in our healthcare system will require various stakeholders, including the government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and international partners. There is an urgent need to strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure and invest in improving healthcare facilities, equipment, and staffing to ensure access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
There is also a serious need for comprehensive prevention strategies for disease prevention and control of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and diarrhea among others. Initiatives such as vaccination programs, mosquito control measures, and health education and awareness campaigns for the public through public health programs are necessary. Utilizing health education and awareness campaigns to empower communities with knowledge about disease prevention, healthy living practices, and the importance of seeking medical care is the key to minimizing the risks associated with these diseases.
A significant need to develop and implement initiatives to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases, including promoting healthy lifestyles, early detection through screenings, and access to affordable treatment and medication is evident. Most Ugandans struggle with early detection mainly sue to the financial implications associated with regular tests, however, there is a need to provide preventive measures for Ugandans, just as it is for treatment measures. The need to invest in public health initiatives, and strengthen programs to enhance lifestyles is essential as already elaborated.
A friend of mine passed on in 2020 in a boda accident while the rider was trying to dodge a pothole and I have never recovered. Road safety in this country is so underrated, especially by the stakeholders who should be the most concerned. There is a need to improve road safety measures starting from infrastructure improvements to enforcement of traffic laws, and public education campaigns to reduce road traffic accidents and other injuries.
I remember listening to this line in a certain song while growing up, ‘…no mother should die giving birth…’ and I want to resound it in this blog. Pregnancy is not a disease, so why should so much danger be associated with giving life? We need to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, including affordable prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal support, and nutrition programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Further still, mental Health Support is a topic that very many Ugandans will shy away from. There is a stigma attached to the need for mental health support and this has inevitably made it hard to access these services. There is so much need to increase access to mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care to address the growing burden of mental health issues and reduce the incidence of suicide.
Lastly, strengthening Data and Research is crucial. I have read many articles affirming the dearth of research in Africa. Why can’t we invest more in data collection, surveillance systems, and research, to better understand disease trends, identify emerging health threats, and inform evidence-based decision-making? This can be fostered through collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, community organizations, and international partners to mobilize efforts, share resources, and maximize impact in addressing health challenges.
There are a thousand ways to die in this world, however, 50 main processes have been identified as the leading reason for funerals and burials in Uganda. This highlights the undeniable risk that these occurrences pose to a significant percentage of Ugandans. As a country, we need to choose better health and join initiatives aimed at creating a healthier Uganda. #betterhealth #thesocialentrepreneur
If you loved this article, you can read more here; https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/uganda-hypertension
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