30% maternal deaths is caused by unsafe abortion

Ashaiman, Jan. 23, GNA - Statistics indicate that 30 percent of maternal deaths are due to unsafe abortion and other pregnancy related complications, Dr Gloria Quansah Asare, National Family Planning Programmes Manager has said.

She said a 1994 statistical survey of the Ghana Statistical Service also indicate 214 maternal deaths per every 1,000 live births. She described the situation as alarming and stressed the need for every citizen, including stakeholders, to stem the issue of maternal morbidity and mortality in the country.

Dr Asare was speaking at Ashaiman on Monday at the opening of a three-week training workshop for staff of the Centre for Development of People (CEDAP) on reduction of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality (R3M). With over 125 participants drawn from Ashaiman and Kpone, the programme has sponsorship from Willows Ghana Foundation, an international non-governmental organisation based in Turkey. She said the Ghana Health Service, apart from its save motherhood programme, has also adopted Eastern, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions for the RM3 programme.

The project, which is to be implemented by Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and CEDEP within a two-year period, has the aim of exposing women to more effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortion.

The Programme Co-coordinator of Willows Foundation, Ms Mavis Asamoah Frimpong, explained that the R3M programme was the first pilot project introduced in the country.

She said the foundation has supported the PPAG and CEDEP with 540 dollars each to embark on the programme.