Superstition, main cause of maternal morbidity in Ghana - NGOs

Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - Ms Becklyn Ulzen-Christian, National Vice President of Coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Malaria Control, on Wednesday said superstition and misconception accounted for most causes of maternal morbidity in Ghana. She said in some pregnant women were urged to contact spiritualists on when to attend ante-natal clinic.

Ms Ulzen-Christian made the observation at a press conference organised by the Coalition of NGOs to disseminate the report on a Civil Society Health Forum held last month. She noted that before some pregnant women got to the clinic, they had missed the first, second and third phases of Intermittent Prevention Treatment (ITP) leading to pregnancy-related complications. "Some women also believe that the white insecticide treated mosquito nets are used in the burial of corpses therefore, reject them during and after delivery," Ms Ulzen-Christian said. She called on NGOs and Civil Society Organisations to spearhead efforts to educate and sensitise communities to discard such myths and superstitions.

Mr Oscar Bruce, Vice Chairman of Coalition of NGOs in Tobacco Control, read a 15-point resolution, adopted at the forum and urged government to implement its policy of making health services for adolescence friendly. He pledged that the Coalition would provide financial support to improve adolescent health and development to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

Mr Bruce called on government to expedite action on the passage of the Mental Health Bill, occupational Health Bill and the Allied Health Bill to ensure efficient and effective health care delivery in the country. He said government on reviewing legislations governing the National Health Insurance Scheme, should create adequate avenues for the contributions and input of Civil Society and include clients in the National Health Insurance Authority. The resolution called for a review of existing health laws to ensure harmonisation of activities for efficient health care delivery and establish a fund to be drawn directly from the Consolidated Fund for activities of CSOs.

"Government should ensure the active participation of CSOs in Regional and District Health Management Team meetings, establish institutionalised partnerships with CSOs working within the health sector to address health issues holistically," it said.

The Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health, an umbrella organisation for NGOs concerned with health issues, was established in 2000 to implement policies in collaboration with stakeholders and build their capacities to deliver quality health care. It is being funded by the Royal Netherlands Government for institutional development and capacity building. 21 Oct. 09