Efforts at reducing maternal deaths gain momentum

Ghana’s effort at reducing maternal and child deaths have received added momentum with free mobile ultrasound scan for pregnant women in rural communities.

This is being jointly spearheaded by Vodafone Ghana Foundation (VGF), the charitable wing of Vodafone Ghana and Divine Mother and Child (D-MAC) Foundation.

Already hundreds of pregnant women in Ayensuano, Akyemansa, Suhum and Akwapim South Districts – all in the Eastern Region, have benefitted.

Ms Augustina Nartey, the Eastern Regional Coordinator of the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHIPS), hailed the initiative as both commendable and a right step.

It was immensely helping to save the lives of mothers and their babies, particularly in the deprived and difficult-to-reach areas.

She indicated that many a pregnant woman across the country often died due to the inaccessibility of ultrasound screening.

Using the facility helps women track the progress and delivery dates of their babies.

She applauded Vodafone and Divine Mother for, what she termed a “fantastic job” adding that, there had been instances where some of the women were found with fibroid complications and immediately given medical attention to save their lives.

Mr Ebenezer Amankwah, Corporate Relations Manager of Vodafone Ghana, said: “we are making this contribution to ease the burden of pregnant women, who are denied such opportunities”.

“Our mothers deserve better and we are proud to be at the forefront of this together with Divine Mother.”

He added that it was part of its contribution to the effort towards helping Ghana to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reducing maternal mortality.