In Kampala, Uganda, Kawempe National Referral Hospital, the country’s busiest public birthing centre, is at the forefront of efforts to reduce maternal deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), or severe bleeding after childbirth. PPH remains the leading cause of maternal mortality globally, yet it is largely preventable and treatable when health workers are properly trained and equipped. With support from UNFPA, hospital staff have access to essential supplies and training to respond quickly and effectively when severe bleeding occurs.
Midwife Brenda Nakanwagi recently demonstrated these life-saving skills when 28-year-old Jalia Namusisi experienced PPH shortly after giving birth. Using a calibrated drape to measure blood loss and following established emergency protocols, Nakanwagi and her team administered oxytocic drugs, tranexamic acid, and intravenous fluids, successfully stabilizing the new mother within minutes. Such coordinated, practiced interventions are critical to preventing deaths from PPH.
Kawempe Hospital’s efforts are part of a broader national initiative to train midwives, nurses, and doctors in urgent birth-related emergency protocols. Annette Kanyunyuzi, president of the National Midwives Association of Uganda, emphasizes that regular drills transform health workers into cohesive, life-saving units, replacing hesitation with automatic, synchronized responses to emergencies. The impact of training is further amplified through UNFPA-supported programs, which reached over 226,000 midwives last year.
To complement training, access to essential medications like tranexamic acid and heat-stable carbetocin is crucial. These drugs can prevent and treat PPH effectively, yet high costs and limited availability in Africa hinder widespread use. Carbetocin, in particular, does not require refrigeration, making it suitable for rural areas with limited infrastructure. Ensuring consistent supplies involves updated national protocols, regulatory harmonization, sustainable financing, and coordinated procurement strategies.
These interventions are supported by partnerships among health workers, national health authorities, and international organizations, including UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, the National Midwives Association of Uganda, and the European Union. The SafeBirth Africa initiative, funded by the EU and UNFPA and implemented with national authorities and Unitaid, accelerates access to life-saving maternal health commodities. Additional support from UNFPA’s dedicated maternal and newborn health fund, backed by countries and foundations, further strengthens the reach and impact of these efforts.
Overall, Uganda’s combined focus on training, supplies, and cross-sector partnerships is creating a sustainable, life-saving response to postpartum haemorrhage, reinforcing the critical role of midwives in safeguarding maternal health.
