Dr. Francis Banka, Upper West Region Director of Health Services, has attributed the high rate of maternal and infant mortality in the region to the refusal of mothers to attend antenatal clinic.

Speaking at the inauguration of the regional branch of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association at Wa, he said expectant mothers rather preferred traditional medicine. He said 42 maternal deaths were recorded in health institutions in the region last year, adding that the figure could be more since many of such deaths occurred out of hospital.

Dr Banka urged midwives and traditional birth attendants to move from house to house in the communities to create awareness and encourage mothers to practise safe motherhood. He cautioned the public against the emergence of quack doctors in the region who have been dispensing illegal drugs to unsuspecting patients.

The Regional Minister, Mr Satanun Mogtari called on nurses to redouble their effort to reduce the high maternal death rate. He said the Ministry of Health should also step up the training of traditional birth attendants to assist in areas where there are no Registered midwives. Miss Kathelyn Ababio, National President of the association, called on the government to improve the working conditions of midwives.