Katua, UWR, May 29, GNA- Pregnant women in the Wa East District are refusing to deliver at health facilities because of the fear that their husbands would accuse them of flirting with other men.

By this practice, they create complications that lead to child and maternal deaths just because of their desire to secure their marriages. Madam Juliana Yakuu Karbo, Midwife in charge of Holomuni Health Centre made this known in an interview with the GNA during the launch of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS at Katua. She said people from the area have the habit of treating their diseases at home and only goes to the hospital when it gets worse. Madam Karbo said some traditional beliefs among the people were obstacles to the smooth implementation of modern health practices and called for an intensive education to sensitize the people to accept modern heath practices to improve their health status.

She mentioned malaria and skin diseases as the most prevalent health issues among the people in the district and attributed these to insect bites, especially during the rainy season.

Snakebites were also on the ascendancy, particularly among women who pick sheanuts during this period.

Madam Karbo appealed to the government, NGOs, Embassies and public-spirited individuals to assist the people with treated mosquito nets and Wellington boots as well as protective clothing to reduce malaria, snake bites and skin diseases.

He also called on the government to construct roads in the area to make it accessible for health officials to reach out to the people in the communities.

The District Chief Executive of the area, Mr. Issahaku Adam, said it was the policy of the assembly to provide health facilities for the rural communities to enable the people to access quality healthcare services.

He said four Community-based Health Community-based Planning and Services (CHPS) had been provided, while five others were still under construction, all aimed at bringing health service to the doorsteps of the people.

Mr. Adam however said the provision of health facilities would not solve all their health problems unless they were prepared to practice good healthcare methods especially that of sanitation. He urged the people in the district to register with the National Health Insurance scheme to enable them to access quality health care. 29 May 07