Situation analysis of newborn health in Uganda. Current status and opportunities to improve care and survival

The Situation Analysis of Newborn Health in Uganda focuses on the prevailing health care practices for newborns. It is Government’s response, in line with Health Sector Strategic Plan II for 2005-10, to develop and implement an effective, comprehensive and responsive health system to reach all newborns and their mothers, to reduce unwanted deaths and improve newborn health within a continuum of care.
The overall objective was to carry out a situation analysis of newborn health and care in the country, determining levels and trends of newborn mortality and morbidity, risk factors for ill health. In addition, current practices regarding newborn care at facility and community level were reviewed along with existing services, policies and programmes. It was also critical to understand the levels of skill and capacity of health care providers and community-based workers. This information was drawn together in order to highlight gaps in policies, programmes, services and to identify steps forward to improve newborn health in Uganda.