The latest demographic and health trends survey has highlighted positive strides on Uganda’s infant and maternal health front. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) reflected a significant reduction in pregnancy-related mortality ratios, from 368 to 228 mothers per 100,000 live births.  The survey report also showed that infant mortality was on a downward trend with the under-five mortality rate has declined from 64 per 1,000 live births to 52 per 1,000 live births in 2022.

Speaking in relation to the Survey, Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said that planning without reliable health data would be akin to “health suicide.” Dr Aceng said UDHS indicators are vital for the development of better health systems, where patients are treated with dignity, and preventative measures can control the spread of contagious diseases.

The Health minister also underscored the need for funding of priority indicator surveys in areas such as health education and promotion in order to address urgent health needs effectively. 

Uganda has been conducting Demographic and health surveys since 1988 and they are usually conducted after every five years 

Some of the key Survey findings 

• 91% of births were delivered in a health facility. 
• 54% of children received all basic vaccinations. 
• 26% of children under 5 are stunted. 
• Women have an average of 5.2 children.