Tema residents observe birth control measures

Tema, Jan 15, GNA - Residents of the Tema metropolis have been commended for observing birth control measures leading to a decrease in the number of births recorded in the metropolis for the year 2008. Madam Hannah Twumasi-Ankrah, Tema Metropolitan Director of Birth and Death Registry giving the commendation told the GNA on Thursday in Tema that, statistics at the registry confirms the control of births in the metropolis.

She said her outfit in 2008 registered a total of 10,513 births under one year compared to the 12,446 registered in 2007. She stated that while a total of 18,284 births comprising children under one year old and people above one year were registered in 2008, 21,892 were registered in 2007.

Out of the total birth registered last year, 10,181 were males and 8,103 were females.

The metropolitan Birth and Death Director added that while a total of 6,531 babies were born in hospitals, 2,138 in clinics, 913 at maternity homes and 917 at homes, 14 were born at other places including vehicles and markets.

Madam Twumasi-Ankrah said a total of 2,139 deaths were registered in 2008 compared to the 2,317 recorded in 2007 indicating a slight decrease in the death rate of the metropolis. She noted that out of the total 1,262 were males while 877 were females. The Metropolitan Director however stated that there was an increase in the death of children under one year old as her outfit recorded a total of 50 deaths comprising 23 boys and 27 girls over the 35 recorded in 2007. She attributed the increase to parents' failure to send their children to health facilities for medical attention at the early stage of ailment adding that most of them resorted to self medication until the situation worsened. Madam Twumasi-Ankrah therefore advised parents to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enable them seek early and free treatment for their children. 15 Jan 09