Accra, April 21, GNA - Dr Edward Antwi, Deputy Director of Public Health, Ghana Health Service, on Friday called on stakeholders to join efforts to reduce the current high maternal mortality rate of 214 deaths per 100,000 live births in the country.

Dr Antwi who was addressing a stakeholders meeting on Safe Motherhood in Accra, said complications of pregnancy and childbirth remained a leading cause of death and disability among women in developing countries including Ghana.

"Unlike the developed countries where similar cases received prompt attention leading to the survival of these women, the opposite is often the case in underdeveloped countries where pregnancy has become a fearful ordeal and battle for most women," he said. He said pregnancy should always be a time for joy and not to grief as pertained in the country currently due to the complications associated with pregnancy.

Dr Antwi therefore, called for the placement of structures and infrastructure in health institutions that would help prevent some of these deaths, adding "The current high rate of maternal and child mortality is unacceptable and efforts must be made to put in place measures to ensure a downward trend of the ratio."

He pointed out that delay in treating pregnancy and childbirth, as a priority by stakeholders was one of the numerous reasons why the maternal mortality rate remained increasing.

Dr Antwi said abortion, had increased deaths among women adolescents, delayed recognition of danger signs, late arrival at health facilities, transportation and poverty were some of the causes of maternal mortality.

He said about 901 maternal mortalities were recorded in Government Hospitals and Clinics in the country, with the Greater Accra Region alone recording 125 deaths.

Dr Antwi said for Ghana to develop fully and attain the objectives set by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) there was the need to intensify inter-sectoral collaboration for advocacy and action towards maternal and new born ill health and deaths in Ghana. "We must therefore, ensure that the status of both women and children in the country are of high quality and standard, through the provision of quality and prompt health care," he said.

He said without any change in the situation, out of every 18 young girls alive in Ghana today, one would die through pregnancy. Ms Honesty Numetu, Health Education Officer at the GHS, called for community support for pregnant women to create awareness on preventable maternal deaths, provision of balanced diets, enough rest and preparation for delivery and complications.

She said some communities had already started providing assistance including arrangements with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to convey pregnant women to health facilities for delivery. Ms Numetu called for support by men to encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal and postnatal clinics regularly, provide emotional, psychological and financial support as well as reduce workload of their pregnant and breastfeeding wives.

She asked women and their families to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme, for better healthg care delivery and urged couples to practice family planning to prevent unwanted pregnancies.