Act responsibly, stay healthy and safe – First Lady to mothers

Mother of the country and wife of President Akufo-Addo, Rebecca Akufo-Addo is calling on all mothers to take up responsibility for their health and wellbeing and that of their children particularly as is expected of them.

In her message to Ghanaian mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day, Mrs. Akufo-Addo encouraged women who she described as ‘unique figures’ and ‘God’s gift to the family’ to maintain healthy lifestyle practices to ensure they are healthy and to protect their children as well.

Highlighting breastfeeding, antenatal checks, vaccinations and constant breast checks as vital factors in reducing the high rate of mother-child mortality in the country, she urged mothers to be exceptionally critical and particular about their health status.

“Breast and cervical cancer are known to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for women. But early detection and treatment save lives. Please examine your breast every month and immediately see a doctor when you notice any changes in your breast and undertake regular checks for cervical cancer”.

“As an advocate for the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, I urge every pregnant woman to know her HIV status. With early diagnoses and treatment, babies can be prevented from being infected with HIV from an HIV positive mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also, mothers affected can live long healthy and happy lives, to care for their children and families”.

She also urged all mothers to champion the course of ‘girl-child’ education and ensure that all their children are very well educated.

“It should be the delight of every mother to see their children get an education to give them equal advantage in a global space. We as mothers must see to it that our children, especially our girls go to school and stay in school”.

Below is the full statement:

MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE BY H.E MRS. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO -2018

Today, we celebrate and pay tribute to a unique figure in our lives, our Mother. A mother is God’s gift to her family and the world. The bond between a mother and her child is a spiritual bond that can never be broken. So on this day, I will like to call attention to some issues that affect the well-being of women and children.

It is a mother’s responsibility to ensure the family is safe and healthy.

I encourage all mothers to ensure they and their families sleep under treated mosquito nets every night and exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least six months. Every mother must make sure her children receive all their vaccinations, at the right time and teach older children regular hand washing with soap and under running water to prevent them from getting unwanted infections and diseases.

Breast and cervical cancer are known to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for women. But early detection and treatment save lives. Please examine your breast every month and immediately see a doctor when you notice any changes in your breast and undertake regular checks for cervical cancer.

As an advocate for the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, I urge every pregnant woman to know her HIV status. With early diagnoses and treatment, babies can be prevented from being infected with HIV from an HIV positive mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also, mothers affected can live long healthy and happy lives, to care for their children and families.

Maternal mortality still remains a major healthcare problem and I believe it is our collective responsibility to reduce the risks that pregnant women face while carrying a baby. Please attend antenatal check- ups and follow the advice of your health provider.

It should be the delight of every mother to see their children get an education to give them equal advantage in a global space. We as mothers must see to it that our children, especially our girls go to school and stay in school.

Happy Mothers’ Day to all our remarkable mothers.