RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Globally, perinatal mortality rates have decreased considerably in the last 30 years. However, in sub-Saharan African countries perinatal mortality remains a public health burden. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the Perinatal Mortality Rate and the factors associated with perinatal mortality in Beni City, Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 1394 deliveries that were documented in Beni General Referral Hospital from 2 January to May 31, 2022. The study was done in the conflict-ridden Beni city of the North Kivu Province. Analysis was done using Open Epi and SPSS version 22. Binary and Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure strength of association. RESULTS: Findings indicate that 60.7% of 1394 participants were below the age of 21 years, and 95.1% (1325) Beni residents. The Perinatal Mortality Rate was 42.3 per 1000 live births. Majority (51) of the postpartum women who experienced perinatal mortality didn`t have a history of perinatal mortality as compared to their counterparts. Multivariable analysis revealed that birth weight (AoR = 0.082, 95% CI 0.014-0.449, p < 0.05) and Apgar score in the 10th minute (AoR = 0.082, 95% CI 0.000- 0.043, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with Perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: The high perinatal mortality rate in Beni General Referral Hospital, approximately four in every 100 births remains a disturbing public health concern of which is attributable to low birth weight and Apgar score. This study may help policy-makers and healthcare providers to design preventive interventions.
RESUMEN
For nearly four decades, Ugandans have experienced a period marked by hope, conflict, and resilience across various aspects of healthcare reform. The health insurance system in Uganda lacks a legal framework and does not extend benefits to the entire population. In Uganda, community-based health insurance is common among those in the informal sector, while private medical insurance is typically provided to employees by their workplaces and agencies. The National Health Insurance Scheme Bill, introduced in 2019, was passed in 2021. If the President of Uganda gives his assent to the National Health Insurance Bill, it will become a significant policy driving health and universal health coverage. However, this bill is not without its shortcomings. In this perspective, we aim to explore the complex interplay of challenges and opportunities facing Uganda's health sector.