The Carlos Rosa Foundation is embarking on an awareness campaign to help clear misconceptions about maternal care and equip pregnant women with the requisite knowledge to reduce mortalities.  

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, maternal mortality ratio is estimated at 485 deaths per 100,000 births. 

To mitigate the situation, the Foundation took its campaign to the Old Tafo municipality, particularly targeting teenage girls.

A total of 181 women died during childbirth in 2022 in the Ashanti Region.

Lack of health infrastructure and maternal awareness have largely contributed to the existing high maternal and infant deaths. 

The situation prevents pregnant women from being conscious in accessing modern obstetric care, especially at the community level. 

This calls for the strengthening of primary health care at the community level with adequate information for pregnant mothers. 

The Carlos Rosa Foundation is embarking on an awareness campaign to help clear misconceptions about maternal care.  

A team member of the Foundation, Kwame Brefo Kodua, says the choice of Tafo in the Ashanti region for the campaign is influenced by the increase in maternal mortality in the area. 

“Three months ago, we paid a visit to the Queenmother and we discussed the maternal mortality awareness campaign. We visited some communities within Tafo as well as some health facilities. 

“They explained the intensity of the issue and the importance of initiatives like this, so we decided to support them with this campaign. We advise that pregnant women make health care a priority during their 9-month journey,” he said. 

Nana Obi Yaa Atakora II, queen mother of the Tafo traditional area, advised young girls to abstain from sexual activities which may result in pregnancy. 

“By the courtesy of the Carlos Rosa Foundation, we have the education. But we need to prevent the situation before we seek care. Girls here should abstain and take precautions to prevent teenage pregnancy.

“It becomes a burden for girls who are pregnant to take care of themselves and that is too many problems. Stay away, focus on your education or if you are interested in vocational or trade, focus on it and avoid getting pregnant,” she said. 

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the education. 

“Some teenage pregnant girls are shy to go for medication and those who go do not use the medications they are given.  

“It has helped us a lot. I have learned that I need to take care of myself, not engage in indecent sexual activities. And when it eventually happens, I should take responsibility and still cater for myself,” said Mercy Asamoah.