NGO to award journalists in Volta Region

Care Net Ghana, a non-governmental organisation with focus on health in the Volta Region on Wednesday hinted at instituting an award for the best reporter in maternal and child health in the Volta Region.

The award, which was not mentioned, is to encourage journalists to develop interest and specialise in maternal and child health issues.

Mr Patrick Ahumah-Ocansey, Executive Director, Care Net Ghana, said at the end of a workshop for journalists on Human Rights Based Approach to maternal and child health reporting in Ho.

He said the award ceremony, with support from the Ghana Journalists Association, would be marked every December and challenged journalists in the region to help improve maternal and child health in the region.

Mr Ahumah-Ocansey said the NGO would also support two journalists to focus on maternal and child healthcare in the Akatsi North and South districts.

He said evidence shows that the media had been influential in bringing about positive change in attitudes and urged them to do the same towards maternal and child health issues.

Dr. Anthony Ashinyo, Akatsi North Director of Health Services said irrespective of gains made in maternal and child health in the past few decades, maternal and child mortality figures remained high and underscored the need for journalists to specialise in the area and help address the situation.

Ms Joan Eleeza, from the Volta Regional Public Health Nurse office said eclampsia-convulsions in pregnant women and postpartum hemorrhage-bleeding after birth, were responsible for about 50 per cent of maternal deaths in the region.

She mentioned the lack of baby friendly facilities, equipment, anti-natal care infrastructure and weak referral system, as some of the challenges facing maternal and child healthcare delivery.

Mr Daniel Mensah, a Principal Investigator, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) said the rights of women and children to health are non-negotiable.

He said it was important for media practitioners to help guard against the violation and abuse of that right.