The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate in collaboration with key stakeholders on June 4^th launched the World Preeclampsia day under the theme “Ask me about Preeclampsia.”  The launch which was held at the Ga West Municipal Hospital was coupled with a strong call on pregnant women to report any preeclampsia symptom to a health facility on time. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure and sometimes protein in the urine among others which typically develops during the second trimester of a pregnancy. It is the number 1 cause of maternal mortality in Ghana and its prevalence is estimated at 6-7%.

Giving the welcome address and the purpose of gathering, Dr. Eric Sarpong-Ntiamoh, the Medical Superintendent of the Ga West Municipal hospital emphasized that out of the 4,400 babies born at their facility in 2023, 77 babies were born from preeclampsia with a record of 9 maternal mortality cases therefore; there is the need to pay close attention to the condition. He urged all Ghanaians to report any preeclampsia symptom to a health facility.

In delivering the key note address, Dr. Stephen Adasi ,  the representative of the  Greater Accra regional health director outlined preeclampsia’s risk factors as teenage pregnancy, pregnancy of women above age 40,being African, birth interval below 2 years, birth interval above 10 years, high blood pressure before pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, obesity, multiple pregnancy among others. He stressed on the signs of the condition and emphasized that any pregnant woman who experience headache, nausea, vomiting or swollen feet should visit a health facility on time. He said preeclampsia if not treated on time can lead to loss of lives of both mother and child or even organ failure. His speech was then followed by an educative role play on preeclampsia by some nurses and midwives from the municipal health directorate.

In the MCE’s address, Hon. Sowah Nai, said the government is committed to prioritizing maternal healthcare. He then encouraged nurses and midwives to exhibit professionalism in their service delivery and urged that nurses and midwives are also respected. He further emphasized the importance of customer service in healthcare delivery. He said the government is committed to investing in Infrastructures of the Health Service. He stated that the Ga West Assembly is committed to Healthcare development projects such as the construction of CHPS Compounds, expansion of the Hospital registry and the emergency unit as well as staff recruitment. He further stated that the Assembly in collaboration with Development partners will invest into medical and logistics supply like the provision of Hospital Beds and ambulances to create enabling environment for quality healthcare delivery.

Present at the launch was the MCE of Ga West, Hon. John Desmond Nii Sowah Nai, the Chief of Amasaman, Dr.  Nii  Amasa Oseku II,  Dr. David Ernest Mireku Adiama, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  who was the Chairperson  of the launch, a representative from the Regional Health Director, Dr. Stephen Adasi,  Ga West Municipal Director of Health, Dr. Yaa Danquah Akuamoah, Management of the municipal health directorate and the municipal hospital, the Presiding Member of the Ga West Assembly, Management  of Ga West Assembly, Staff of the Municipal Hospital, Pregnant women , the press call and Observers.

Source: Rachel Sarpong, ISD - GWMA