Uganda, April 28 -- High transport costs and out-of-pocket hospital expenses are forcing expectant mothers in Nebbi District to give birth at home, exposing them and their babies to serious health risks.

Data shared during a district integrated support supervision exercise conducted with ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU) shows that about 50 percent of babies in the district were delivered at home in the last financial year.

Some mothers say they avoid health facilities due to cost barriers and fear of mistreatment by health workers when they cannot afford required supplies.

Judith Chikawun, 38, a resident of Ndhew Sub-county, said she went into labour at midnight during heavy rain and sought help at Pamaka Health Centre III, where ...