The World Health organization confirmed that Uganda has completely eliminated Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus.

The minister of state for Health Dr. Richard Nduhura says the government has confirmed that the disease is no longer a threat in Uganda.

Dr. Richard Nduhura, Uganda's Minister of State for Health

The certificate declaring the elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in Uganda was given to the ministry of health by the World Health Organization Representative to Uganda Dr. Joaquim Saweka.

Uganda  is the 20th to do so since 2000 among the 42 countries with same diseases.

Minister Nduhura said that the survey which based on to declare the elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in Uganda was conducted in 2010 in kibaale district where the incidence ofMaternal and Neonatal Tetanus was highest.

He reported that in Uganda 3,433 Neonatal Tetanus  cases and 2,403 Neonatal Tetanus  deaths have been occurring in Uganda before last year.

The UNICEF Uganda Country Representative to Uganda Dr. Sharad Sapra said that  this is a historic achievement for Uganda, and the Government should be applauded for their commitment to eliminating this killer disease.

Other countries that have achieved elimination include Bangladesh, Burundi, Egypt, Mozambique, Rwanda, Turkey and South Africa.

By Isaac Senabulya