E/R: Nine Pregnant Women Die Every Month -Health Director

A total of 108 institutional maternal deaths were recorded in 2017 in the Eastern region higher than what were 104 and 102 cases recorded in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

The 2017 figure translates to 180/100,000 live births. Analysis of the maternal mortality rate in the region in 2017 shows that nine (9) women and girls died every month in the health facilities in the region.

The Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr Charity Sarpong has described the deaths as “unnecessary” since it could be prevented.

“…to underline the horrific fact that every month approximately nine(9) women and girls die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in the region. The region recorded 108 maternal deaths in 2017 “…most of these deaths are totally unnecessary,” he said.

The Director said this during the 2017 Eastern Region Annual Performance Review Meeting held in Koforidua.

The Health Director Dr.Charity Sarpong partly blamed the maternal deaths on religion, tradition and culture which restrict pregnant women from seeking frequent antenatal care.

The Health Director also bemoaned serious shortage in support service staff and medical Specialists and Pharmacists.

She also raised concerns over uneven distribution of staff depriving other districts from equitable and quality health Services.

Despite these challenges, the regional health directorate has been ranked among the high performing directorates in the country.