By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Feb. 17, GNA – Mrs Wilhelmina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, the Municipal Director of Health Services, Tarkwa Nsuaem, has said anaemia among pregnant women in the Municipality has declined.
This is a significant achievement, and they are committed to building on the progress as anaemia in pregnancy was a key challenge at the beginning of 2024.
Mrs Morttey announced this in Tarkwa when the Directorate held its 2024 annual review meeting to reflect on its progress and challenges over the past year.
She said the directorate also recorded a decline in stillbirths and it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of their midwives.
However, they still have work to do to address maternal mortality, which has stagnated, adding, “We will need to continue to focus on this area and work together to find solutions”.
“We did see a reduction in exclusive breastfeeding rates, which is an area that requires our attention and action. We must work to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding practices, as they are critical to the health and wellbeing of our children”. Mrs Morttey stated.
She said although they started 2024 with some significant challenges, they have made remarkable progress and one of their major successes has been the expansion of their services, which has enabled them to reach more people in their community.
The year under review also saw the commissioning of Nsuaem Government hospital and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), upgrade of two CHPS compounds to health centres and four CHPS facilities were accredited under the NHIS.
“We responded to several outbreaks, including a cholera outbreak that resulted in three deaths and 174 suspected cases. We worked tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevented further spread of the disease.
Additionally, the directorate recorded two positive measles cases, and one rabies death. These outbreaks reminded us of the importance of our work in preventing and controlling diseases, and we must continue to be vigilant and proactive in our efforts”.
In terms of infrastructure, they saw the completion of the Benso maternity unit by the Municipal assembly, Amantin CHPS compound, re-roofing of the Tarkwa Banso health centre and Bonsawire ward by the respective communities.
Many projects have also commenced, including the renovation of Simpa health centre by the community and the construction of Benso Staff quarters by Benso Oil Palm Plantation Plc (BOPP).
She announced that the directorate received a wide range of donations of medical supplies and equipment from various organizations and philanthropists, have been instrumental in supporting their work and expressed her appreciation to them.
Mrs Morttey commended the staff for their hard work in the previous year and urged them to remain committed to their mission of prudently managing and providing comprehensive and quality healthcare to their communities.
Mrs. Marian Quaye – Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Western Regional Health Directorate and Mr. Nicholas Adomako, Western Regional Disease Control Officer, and Regional Expanded Programme on Immunization advised the staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their interactions with patients and colleagues.
Nana Eguatu I, the queen mother of Bankyiem, who chaired the function urged the staff to treat their patients with kindness, respect, and dignity.
GNA