The Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Public Nursing, Ellen Asare says the region has recorded 5,478 teenage pregnancies between January and June this year.
49 maternal deaths were also recorded within the same period.
She made the disclosure at the launch of a five-year project which seeks to improve women’s maternal healthcare at Suhum in the Eastern Region.
Madam Asare added that the region has also recorded 35,356 skilled deliveries this year which, according to her, indicates an improvement in the statistics.
The Country Manager of Japanese Organisation for International Cooperation in Family Planning, JOICFP, an NGO, Emmanuel Obeng Asamoah explaining what the project entails, said its hallmark is to enhance community participation in maternal healthcare, and also improve the confidence level of women during the COVID 19 pandemic.
He further stated that his Organisation will train community health volunteers in universal infection prevention measures including the appropriate use of PPEs.
Mr. Amoah added that the NGO will distribute PPE, alcohol sanitisers and thermometer guns as part of their five-year programme activities.
On expected outcome, he said more than 350 staff pharmacies and chemical sellers will be trained in infection prevention and control, while more than 200 trained community health volunteers and pharmacy staff will be equipped with PPE.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Suhum, Margaret Darko Darkwa, entreated the volunteers to educate expectant mothers within the Municipality on the need to receive antenatal care during and after pregnancy, adding that COVID-19 still exists, therefore, expectant mothers and the public should continue to adhere to the safety protocols.
