By Brian Atuhura
Masindi District yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Preeclampsia day through an awareness walk and health sensitization campaign aimed at educating communities about the dangers of high blood pressure among pregnant mothers.

The campaign,held at Masindi General Hospital,focused on raising awareness about preeclampsia,a pregnancy related condition that health experts describe as a silent killer if not detected and treated early.

Speaking to expectant mothers during the event, Acting Executive Consultant of Masindi General Hospital Dr.Rogers Musinguzi said preeclampsia commonly develops after five months of pregnancy and can lead to severe complications, including death,if medical attention is delayed.

Dr.Musinguzi identified the major signs and symptoms of preeclampsia as severe headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the face,hands and legs ,as well as severe abdominal pain.

He further explained that first time mothers, women with a family history of high blood pressure, mothers expecting twins, pregnant girls aged 20 years and below,and women aged 35 years and above are among the high risk groups.

Dr.Musinguzi emphasized that Preeclampsia is preventable through early antenatal care, regular medical checkups, family support,and timely monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy.
Speaking at the same event, Imarisha Dada Uganda representative Annet Birungi called for collective efforts among health workers, families,and communities to fight preeclampsia and protect expectant mothers.

Meanwhile, Senior Health Educator Michael Muddu,who represented the District Health Officer,urged health workers to maintain high levels of Professionalism and ensure proper maternal healthcare services if cases of preeclampsia are to reduce in the district.

Health officials used the commemoration to encourage pregnant mothers to attend antenatal clinics early and consistently inorder to improve early detection and treatment of pregnancy related complications.