Abuorso (E/R), April 7, GNA- Pregnant women in the rural areas, have been advised to visit antenatal clinics and stop taking herbal concoctions. They should also ensure that they deliver at health institutions to avoid complications.

The Community Health Nurse In-charge of Abuorso Sub-District Health Management Team in the Fanteakwa District, Miss Theodora Ahadzi, was speaking at a durbar to educate the people on proper sanitation, breast-feeding, good diet and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Miss Ahadzi noted that anti-natal treatment was very high in the clinic but only five deliveries were recorded in 2002 and last year. She attributed the low figure to pregnant women deciding to deliver at home.

She expressed concern at the high teenage pregnancy rate in the area, saying it increased from 19 in 2002 to 25 last year, despite counselling of the public on pre-marital, casual and unprotected sex. Miss Ahadzi attributed this to lack of parental care, guidance and counselling.