Apam (C/R), July 13, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze on Tuesday said that available statistics indicated that the maternal mortality and the infant mortality rates in the region were both above the national average.
The rate he said was as high 800 per 100,000 live births as compared to the national figure of 214 per 100,000 live births. He said the region also ranked second in teenage pregnancy cases and HIV prevalence rates, each on the national statistics. Mr Edumadze said this, at the national launching of the 2004 World Population Day celebration at Apam under the theme: "Safe Motherhood-Everyone's Responsibility".
He said the RCC was accordingly engaged in empowering the people, especially, the womenfolk, to harness the numerous economic potential available, in order to raise their standard of living. According to the Regional Minister, these efforts, however, were being undermined by the high fertility rates, with its large family sizes, high population growth rates and poor population and health statistics, which in turn, increased the poverty levels of the people. Mr Edumadze stressed the importance of the district assemblies as focal points to make services, including reproductive health service available to the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the society, particularly women.
On the forthcoming coming presidential and parliamentary elections, the Regional Minister urged political parties to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner "so that we do not burden ourselves with conflicts".
Nana Okatakyi Krampa, Omanhene of Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Area and Nana Obirifo Ahor Ankobea II, Omanhene of Gomoa Assin Traditional Area jointly chaired the occasion.
