The issue of maternal death in Ghana, is disheartening and needs pragmatic and concerted effort to contain the situation before it is too late. It is surprising that maternal death, though preventable, is still causing harm  to  women in the country. It is important to note that giving birth per se is not a bad thing but the inadequate preparation to that effect is what matters and ought to be properly considered in order to reverse the situation.

Maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of pregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management.

It is intriguing but serious to note that some Ghanaians plan for expensive out-doorings whiles the person has not yet given birth. Forgetting that pregnancies have complications and until the person gives birth, one cannot predict the outcome of a pregnancy.

Maternal health is very crucial and ought to be taken seriously. Pregnant women should endeavour to plan adequately before, during and after pregnancies in order to avoid maternal death in the country. Effective planning is very important in all spheres of life and most importantly in pregnancy, child birth and postnatal care.

The attitude of not seeking the right information at the right time at the right place, limited access to education, economic opportunities, generally has contributed to the causes of maternal mortality in the country.

Regrettably, statistics shows that only four per cent of the women visit the hospitals after giving birth which is not the best. About 12 per cent of deaths are caused by anaemia, 17 per cent by bleeding and 19 per cent by hypertension.

Unsafe abortion also accounts for 11 per cent deaths, obstructed labour seven per cent, infections, 10 percent and other causes 24 per cent.

Maternal mortality in the country is estimated at 214 deaths per 100,000 live births and have accounted for an average of 10,000 deaths in the last 10 years. This is the situation when Ghana is hoping to achieve Millennium Development Goal five by 2015. With this situation, one may ask if it will be possible.

Health expects say if the trend continues till 2015, about 12,000 more deaths would occur with 1,000 more women and children suffering disabilities and
200,000 more infants losing their lives. Despicably, the economy would lose about 12 million US dollars from 2005 to 2015, as a result of the loss of these lives and its effects on productivity. However, the country could gain 140 million US dollars within the same period, if interventions are made.

It is rather unfortunate that there is the risk of one death in every 35 live births in Ghana as compared to one in 1, 800 in develops economies. There
is therefore the urgent need for improved access to emergency obstetric care, skilled attendants, attitude and motivation of health workers, complication preparedness as well as media campaigns to reverse the trend.

In addition, there is the need for improved access to family planning to address the problem. It is only when a family plans for a baby that the news of pregnancy could be received with joy and the expectant mother would have the enabling environment to go through the period safely.

Looking at the maternal mortality situation in the country, it is indeed worrisome but there is hope for its prevention. The onus then lies on the government, stakeholders, opinion leaders as well as all Ghanaians to ensure that proper measures are put in place at homes and at the hospitals in order to curb the situation.

If Ghanaians change their attitude and behaviours for better and do the right thing at the right time, the issue of maternal death in Ghana would be a thing in the past.

Source: ISD (Zakari Musah)
Posted: 26/08/08