Prof. Sebastian Eliason, Dean of the School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast has emphasized the vital need to tackle reproductive and sexual health issues for societal progress.
At a recent Health Week Celebration by the UCC Medical Students Association in Mankessim, Prof. Eliason highlighted maternal mortality as a major developmental issue in Ghana, underscoring the need for collective action of all stakeholders to prevent unnecessary deaths during childbirth.
Speaking on the theme “Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and Policy: The Role of All Stakeholders,” he urged concerted efforts to ensure the safety of women during childbirth and reduce infant mortality rates.
“…We need all stakeholders on board to ensure that women who go to give birth to another human being will not die unnecessarily,” he stressed.
Dr. Agnes Achiama Anane, the Acting Central Regional Director of Health, echoed Prof. Eliason’s sentiments, emphasizing the availability of family planning services across healthcare facilities in the region.
She encouraged male partners to actively support their spouses in accessing these services, thereby contributing to the improvement of sexual health and reducing the risks associated with unplanned pregnancies.
“Some women with maybe eight children, seven children, five children, really want to have family planning done, but then, because of their partners, they do not get those services. So, I just want to encourage every male partner, or husband, or boyfriend, to try to support their woman to access family planning when they need it,” she said.
Additionally, Dr. Anane advocated for male involvement in antenatal appointments to address potential postpartum mental health issues and emphasized the significance of family planning, particularly for women who have undergone multiple caesarean sections.
Autis Mbogga, President of the UCC Medical Students Association, outlined the objectives of the Health Week Celebration, underlining the focus on providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive services to rural communities and districts.
As part of the event, a health screening was conducted for the residents of Mankessim, alongside outreach programmes and campaigns targeting Senior High Schools within the locality.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
