By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, Sept. 11, GNA – The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has initiated a fund-raising drive to support health facilities in the country to manage birth asphyxias.
Birth asphyxia is the deficiency in oxygen intake by newborns, affecting an average of 30 of every 1000 live births in the country and becoming the leading cause of newborn mortality.
Dr Emmanuel Oppong, the Vice President, PSG, said the Society had dedicated the month of September to create the needed awareness at the launch of this year’s celebration, saying health facilities across the country lacked basic means and equipment to manage the situation.
He said the Society therefore took up the task to mobilise public support for health facilities needing essential equipment and would pursue funds from spirited individuals and organisations during the month.
“Over the years, as a Society we have observed that some facilities are having challenges having the basic equipment that is needed to manage and prevent cases of birth asphyxia properly.
So, we are excited to let members, and all stakeholders know that part of this year’s celebration will involve fundraising, specifically to mobilise resources to buy very essential items that we know can make a difference in our management and prevention of birth asphyxia across the country.
“This fundraising effort is to be able to identify some facilities that we know, based on all the data and evidence that they are having peculiar challenges and therefore their birth asphyxia incidents are on the high.
He appealed to everyone including philanthropists and foundations to donate, so that as many facilities as possible could be supported.
This year’s awareness month is on the theme “Breathing Life into Every Baby,” and is being hosted by the Paediatric Society in the Bono Region.
There were speeches and solidarity messages from various stakeholders including Dr Marion Okoh, the Director of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, and Dr Cardinal Newton, the Acting Chief Executive of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
Dr Charles Adu Takyi, a Fetomaternal Consultant, delivered a presentation on the prevention of birth asphyxia, and Dr Akua Afriyie Ocran, a Neonatologist, dwelled at length on the overview and management of the condition.
Dr Frank Serebour, the President of the Ghana Medical Association chaired the launch, said the long-term implications of birth asphyxias should prompt stakeholders to act.
He said paediatricians should endeavour to make the most of the awareness month in deepening the efforts.
Dr Serebour pledged the support of the Ghana Medical Association towards the fund-raising initiative.
GNA