By Joseph Odoi
The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has commenced data collection for maternal, newborn and child data in Uganda.
Studies have previously shown that some of the Maternal, newborn health quality of care indicators and related data do not exist in the local Health Management Information System (HMIS), creating gaps in evidence for health professionals and the planners.
A team of highly trained research assistants is expected to collect data for two weeks following their five-days training by the university and World Health Organisation officials.
Dubbed improving quality and utilization of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) using the Open Data Kit —ODK and communities of practice, the researchers set out for field work on Monday, August 3.
Research findings are expected to support the Ministry of Health to carryout systematic, data-guided activities in order to bring about improvements in maternal, new born and child health quality of care service delivery.
Professor Frederick Wabwire-Mangen, the study lead contends that the study is aimed at bringing about the accuracy and completeness of data coming from health facilities, which has for long been questionable.
According to Professor Wabwire, also District level capacity to analyze and use data for tracking progress of Maternal and Neonatal Health outcomes is limited and requires evidence.
He adds that; “District data transmitted to the national level for storage and analysis is insufficient to guide progress on Maternal and Neonatal Health outcomes.”
Uganda is among the 11 countries formed under the World Health Organization (WHO) as a quality of care network, formed as part of global efforts.
With a view of providing this evidence, the study will assess the status of maternal and newborn health quality of care in the six Maternal and Neonatal Health quality of care learning districts of Hoima, Kamuli, Kasese, Kiryandongo, Nwoya, and Sheema in Uganda.
According to Professor Wabwire, they intend to engage facility frontline healthcare workers providing Maternal and Neonatal Health services, Maternal and Child Health department leadership at the 18 health facilities, as well as staff responsible for Maternal and Neonatal Health data, National and District Ministry of Health representatives, Biostatisticians among others.
Globally, 273,500 women die due to pregnancy and child birth. In Uganda, maternal, newborn and child deaths rates remain high in Uganda. Statistics show that maternal mortality rate stand at 336 per 100,000 live births.
Neonatal mortality rate stagnated at 27 per 1,000 over last 15 years while under five mortality rates stand 64 per 1,000 births.
Professor Wabwire says measuring quality of care is fundamental in reducing maternal and newborn mortality, achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets as well as demonstrating whether additional efforts are needed to bring about improvement.
In preparation inception training for the study conducted on 27th July 2020 running through to 31st July 2020, the study team and research assistants were oriented on Maternal Newborn and Child Health quality of care study and what is expected of them.
The research assistants were trained and equipped with skills on the use of Open Data Kit (ODK) application for data collection, understanding the baseline assessment of the study as well as sharing the design system for data collection and analysis.
According to Professor Wabwire, the study broadly aims to pilot the open data kit technology and communities of practice to improve quality and utilization of Mothers, Neonates and Child data.
The study will be conducted with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund —RIF.
Dr. Olive Ssentumbwe, a representative from the WHO said that it is critical time to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births and end preventable deaths of newborns and children
under-five years of age.
‘’Apart from surviving, human capital must thrive if they are to contribute to sustainable development goals, this can begin with good nutrition of children through supplements” she observes.
Meanwhile, Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean, MakSPH has advised the research assistants to be professional while collecting data adding that the data should be reliable for informing policy.
Dr. Gakenia Wamuyu-Maina, Dr. Aggrey Mukose, Dr. Sarah Naikoba are Co-Principal Investigators whereas Prof. Wabwire –Mangeni is the Principal Investigator in-charge of overall study implementation.
