Female health and development : a case study regarding a maternal health scheme in Ghana

Abstract

A study of female health and development regarding maternal health scheme was carried out in Kumasi, Ghana from 2009 to 2010. The study conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Bantama revealed an unstable situation regarding maternal deaths even though pregnant women have free access to antenatal care. The study aimed at finding out whether the free antenatal and delivery care provided by the Ghanaian government is encouraging pregnant women to access the facility in order to improve maternal health and also, whether it is aiding in the reduction in maternal deaths. A total of three health personnel’s and fifty-five pregnant women participated in the study. Some of the pregnant women are residents of Bantama whiles others have been referred from nearby towns. Semi structured interviews and observation were the main tools employed for data collection. The MDGs if attained as anticipated would make the world a better place. Women and children who happen to be the most venerable too would be relieved of various diseases. As part of the MDGs, Maternal deaths and child mortality are also considered. Out of the eight MDGs, the goal 5 and 4 happens to be those that may not meet the anticipated dead line. Sub-Sahara Africa seems to be greatly affected as compared to developed countries. Even though, countries are working hard to reduce the maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate by 2014, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana are presently behind and needs to accelerate in order to reach the set target. Maternal deaths occur as a result of numerous complications which are claiming the lives of many pregnant women and those who go into labour. Although efforts are made to reduce maternal mortality, the present situation calls for more attention. The curbing of maternal deaths depends on several factors. A few are availability of health personnel, cost, good hospitals and health care centers, accessibility to these facilities and education. Can maternal deaths be reduced by 75% by the year 2014? The reduction in maternal deaths serves as a positive influence on the attainment of the MDG 5 and 4 which are to improve maternal health and to reduce child mortality respectively. The study indicated that the presence of skilled birth attendants at delivery as per pregnant woman ratio is quite poor. The ratio is one doctor is to 17,733; 839 and the Nurse-Population ratio is 1: 1,510 with disparities between urban and rural settings and dwellers. In Kumasi for instance, the Ratio of Midwives to Women of Reproductive Age is 1:427. Other factors affecting maternal mortality rate are the Contraceptive prevalence rate and accessibility to health facility.