High Number of Caesarean Deliveries Recorded at Arua Regional Referral Hospital in April
A high number of caesarean deliveries were recorded at Arua Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, with at least 240 out of 560 deliveries in April being performed by C-section. The hospital director said that most of the cases were due to complications arising from referrals, but some expectant mothers were also demanding C-sections as opposed to natural delivery.
At least 240 of the 560 deliveries recorded at Arua Regional Referral Hospital in April 2023 were by caesarean section. Caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure that can effectively prevent maternal and new-born mortality when used for medically indicated reasons.
Jane Francis Moria, in charge of the maternity ward, noted that some expectant mothers now demand C-section surgery as opposed to natural delivery, which she blames on lifestyle changes. She, however, hastened to add that the majority of C-section cases are from teenage mothers who report complications.
Ayivu division Mayor, Marlon Avutia tasked the hospital management to investigate the high rate of C-sections to address the challenge. Avutia believes that C-section delivery should only be performed when natural delivery threatens the mother or baby, but not by choice.
On the other hand, Dr. Alex Andema, the Arua Regional Referral Hospital Director, explained that they are compelled to perform C-section deliveries of the risk of complications with which mothers are referred to the facility. Andema added that most of the patients at the hospital are referrals from lower facilities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that C-section rates have increased tremendously, especially among high-income and Sub-Saharan African countries worldwide.
However, the UN health agency warns that Caesarean birth is often associated with short- and long-term risks that can extend many years beyond the current delivery and affect the health of the woman, the child, and future pregnancies.
The ideal rate for caesarean sections is considered to be between 10 percent and 15 percent by the international healthcare community.
