Health authorities in Katakwi District are expressing concern over the low participation of men in antenatal care services alongside their pregnant wives.
Dr. Simon Ichumar Omeke, District Health Officer (DHO) of Katakwi, revealed that approximately 90 percent of women seeking antenatal treatment do so without their husbands, many of whom ignore the importance of their involvement.
He urged men to accompany their wives to antenatal clinics, highlighting the health benefits for men themselves. Such benefits include free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, prostate cancer, and other health conditions.
Dr. Omeke also cautioned men against engaging in extramarital affairs during their wives’ pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, citing the high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead to miscarriage.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of men supporting their expectant partners by sharing pregnancy-related information and providing emotional and physical support throughout the pregnancy journey.
