Wa, Nov. 6, GNA - Health workers and regional collaborators in safe motherhood in the Upper West Region have embarked on a campaign to stem the rising maternal mortality among women, who do not patronise health facilities in the Region.

As a first step durbars would be organised at all endemic centres to sensitise both women and husbands against indulging in other treatment apart from sending pregnant women to health facilities. At a meeting to announce the programme Mr Simon Aanyeh, Regional Health Education Officer, said while the region recorded 16 maternal deaths from January to December last year 14 cases were recorded between January and September this year.

"Looking at the figures available it means that the situation is increasing and we have to step up our campaign machinery to at least reduce it to the barest minimum."

Mr Aanyeh said radio drama and jingles and plays would be used to drive home the need for pregnant women to avail themselves of ante-natal and post-natal care offered at health facilities in the Region. He said the regional safe motherhood week would be launched in the Lawra District since over the years the district had been recording more maternal mortality cases in the Region.

Mr Aanyeh called on the collaborators to support the fight against injustices against women by reporting unacceptable suppressions meted out to women.