Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - Dr Elias Sory, Director General of Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Wednesday emphasized the need for health centres and teaching institutions in the health sector to be refurbished with simple tools to help reduce maternal and child mortality rate. He said, "We don't always need sophisticated gadgets, we need simple tools to prevent maternal and child mortality." Dr Sory made the call when officials of World Health Organisation (WHO) handed over five Blue Trunk Library Units and 51 pieces of assorted manikins valued at 50,000 dollars to the Ghana Health Service for five selected health centres.

The assorted manikins include 12 pieces each of childbirth simulator, basic female patient care manikins. The Blue Trunk Library was developed by the Library of WHO to be installed in health centres in Africa as a means of compensating for the lack of up to date medical and health information. The collection, which was organized according to major health subjects, including child health, nutritional and nutritional disorders, communicable diseases, contains more than 100 books on medicine and public health.

The beneficiary districts are Kwahu North in Eastern Region, Amansie West in Ashanti Region, East Mamprusi in Northern Region, Sene in Brong Ahafo Region and Nkwanta in Volta Region. Dr Sory noted that there were instances where retained placentas had been the cause of deaths among women although a simple tool and good practices could reverse the trend. He commended the performance of Abirem District in Eastern Region that for the past two years had not recorded any deaths as result of the use of simple tools.

Dr Sory noted that the tools were going to facilitate the teaching and learning in schools and indicated that GHS was now introducing Information Communication and Technology and the districts would be linked up with hard copies of the books. Dr Joaquim Saweka, WHO Representative to Ghana, said the presentation was in response to request it had received from some midwifery training schools and clinics. He said the blue trunk library would assist in the delivery of current and authoritative information since the introduction of the blue trunk in 1996, WHO had sent more than 1,541 to 69 countries. "The quality and cost effectiveness of healthcare for patients can only be improved if information drawn up to date, evidence and good practice is made available and used," Dr Saweka added. 13 Feb. 08