By Agness Agilo, News Editor Radio Wa, Lira Diocese
The Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, has attributed the high rate of fistula cases in the Lango sub-region to teenage pregnancies.
Dr. Aceng made the remarks today while officiating as the chief guest during the commissioning of the gynecological and fistula ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
The minister noted that the Lango sub-region is currently recording the highest number of fistula cases in Northern Uganda, which she attributed to early pregnancies among young girls.
According to Dr. Aceng, many teenagers become pregnant before their bodies are fully developed, which exposes them to complications such as obstetric fistula.
She therefore called upon young girls to avoid teenage pregnancies in order to reduce the rising cases of the condition.
In another development, the minister also expressed the government’s readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing that the Ministry of Health will ensure that the required medical specialists are in place.
Dr. Aceng added that the ministry has also rolled out an Emergency Medical Services Acceleration Project to ensure the availability of the required number of ambulances, including air ambulances, whenever the need arises.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Andrew Odur, confirmed the high prevalence of fistula cases in the Lango sub-region.
Dr. Odur revealed that about 200 caesarean section operations are conducted at the facility every month, representing nearly 25 percent of all deliveries handled at the hospital.
He also noted that Lango still has one of the highest backlogs of unrepaired fistula cases in the community.
Dr. Odur commended Mbarara University of Science and Technology for supporting the construction of the ward, which he said will greatly help mothers suffering from fistula conditions.
He pledged the hospital’s commitment to continue improving the wellbeing of mothers in the region.
Professor Kyadondo Musa from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, which funded the construction of the fistula and gynecological ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, noted that previously there were only three such specialized gynecological centers in the country.
He expressed satisfaction that, through the Urogynecology Program at the university, a similar facility has now been established in Lira City.
Professor Kyadondo said the ward will benefit not only mothers in Lango but also those from neighboring districts seeking treatment.
He added that the new facility is well equipped with essential requirements that will help patients recover with dignity.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Gynecology Ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. James Okello, thanked Minister Jane Ruth Aceng for coordinating the partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology that led to the project.
Dr. Okello said the new ward will have 45 beds, which will help mothers suffering from fistula recover in a proper medical environment.
He further revealed that the hospital conducts an annual community fistula camp, during which doctors operate on between 100 and 120 patients.
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