Expectant Mother, Baby Die After Delivery Attempt by TBA

An expectant mother and her unborn baby have died after she reportedly sought delivery services from a traditional birth attendant instead of a health facility, prompting renewed calls for pregnant women to seek skilled medical care. The deceased, identified only as Nambozo, was a resident of Bwana Cell, Bwana Ward, Namabasa, in Mbale City’s Northern Division.

According to Sam Masayi, the Village Health Team (VHT) member for Bwana Cell, Nambozo did not attend antenatal care at any health facility throughout her pregnancy. Instead, she relied on a traditional birth attendant in Ikiki, Budaka District. Masayi said that when she went into labour on Monday, she travelled to the same traditional birth attendant for delivery. 

However, complications arose during labour, and the attendant was unable to manage the delivery. The baby died in the womb. After Nambozo’s condition deteriorated, she was referred to Namatala Health Centre IV. Medical workers there assessed her as critically ill and referred her to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

She later died while undergoing surgery. Mbale City Assistant Health Officer in charge of Maternal Health, Irene Kituyi, described the incident as unfortunate and urged expectant mothers to attend antenatal care and deliver in recognised health facilities under the care of skilled health workers.

She said the city health department has continuously sensitised pregnant women on the importance of antenatal care and safe delivery services. Kituyi added that traditional birth attendants have also been encouraged to refer expectant mothers to government health facilities as soon as labour begins instead of attempting to conduct deliveries themselves.