Maternal deaths in 2017 in the Upper East Region have seen a significant increase from the figures in 2016.
The Region recorded 43 maternal death resulting from haemorrhage and anaemia in 2017, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Winfred Ofosu disclosed.
The figure, according to him, was an increase from the 36 maternal mortality cases recorded in 2016.
Dr. Ofosu disclosed this at a regional launch of Girls’ Iron-Folate Tablet Supplementation (GIFTS) programme in Bolgatanga on the theme: Investing in Girls’ health for improved learning ability and development.
He explained that, though there are other factors accounting for the rising mortality rate in the region, haemorrhage and anaemia remain the major causes of maternal mortality.
“Hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal deaths and the ability to survive haemorrhage depends very much on blood levels of the woman. Those who have little blood die after small blood loss whilst those who have sufficient blood survive even after heavy bleeding.
“Between January 1 and December 6, 2017, 43 women compared to 36 in 2016 have died as a result of childbirth and some of these was due to anaemia and bleeding. Anaemia also has a serious effect on the unborn baby such as foetal anaemia, low birth weight, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction and perinatal mortality.”
Dr. Ofosu reiterated that the Iron-Folate supplementation intervention will not only reduce maternal deaths and morbidities but will also improve the academic impact of girls.
Under the programme, adolescents aged 10-19 in all basic, second cycle, training colleges and tertiary institutions will receive weekly doses of Iron-folic acid every Wednesday.
Those out of school will receive their first dose at health facilities with the rest taken home every Wednesday, while women aged 20 years and above entreated to buy the drug at chemical shops for usage.
The intervention is aimed at reducing anaemia by 20% in women of childbearing age and cutting anaemia in adolescent girls to 57,538 and 78,730 girls in school and out-of-school respectively.
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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana