Uganda's C-section Births Nearly Triple in a Decade, Falling Within WHO Recommended Rates

The frequency of Caesarean section (C-section) births in Uganda has seen a significant surge, nearly tripling from 5.7 percent in 2011 to 14 percent by 2022. This upward trend has prompted public discussion regarding the necessity of these surgical deliveries and the capacity of healthcare facilities to perform them safely.

A C-section is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. According to Dr. Rogers Kajabwangu, President of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU), the procedure is recommended when the health of either the mother or the baby is at risk due to complications during pregnancy or labor.

Reasons for C-sections can include fetal distress, large fetal size, or maternal anatomical issues such as a narrow pelvis. For mothers, previous uterine surgeries can also necessitate a C-section due to the risk of uterine rupture during labor. Dr. Kajabwangu emphasized that when performed for medically sound reasons, C-sections are crucial for preventing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers an ideal C-section rate to be between 10 and 15 percent. Uganda’s 2022 rate of 14 percent falls within this globally accepted range. Healthcare professionals are focusing on ensuring safety during these procedures by adhering to correct surgical techniques, maintaining sterile environments, and carefully selecting only those patients who medically require a C-section.

Recent studies, such as the “Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Maternal Infection Outcomes,” have also highlighted efforts to reduce complications, particularly infections, associated with C-sections. Interventions focusing on hand hygiene, appropriate antibiotic use, and early detection of sepsis are being implemented to enhance maternal safety during delivery.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-s-c-section-birth-rates-triple—5570088