The popular saying that ‘no woman should die while giving life’ still remains a mirage as bad roads, coupled with long distances are causing deaths of expectant mothers. The situation is especially worse in areas that have poor road infrastructure with some of the public clinics in remote areas.
Myjoyonline yesterday published a story about pregnant women facing delicate health risks worsened by plying deplorable roads in the Oforikrom municipality of the Ashanti Region. The bumpy, dusty and pothole-induced road networks in about four communities leave pregnant women at risk of anti and post-natal health complications.
Residents are weary that the situation has been left unattended for several years. The road networks in Ayeduase, Appiadu, Boadi and Emena are rough paths marred with countless potholes that create a turbulent journey.
Pregnant women, already burdened with the delicate task of nurturing life within, face an additional layer of risk due to the tumultuous journeys required for maternal care. Their concerns have been left unaddressed for several years.
The question that begs to be answered is, why should expectant mothers endure such perilous journeys when seeking essential maternal care? The roads that should lead to medical attention have become a source of anguish, jeopardizing the very well-being of those bringing new life into the world. The very essence of safe motherhood is compromised by the negligence of those responsible for maintaining our vital infrastructures.
Over the years, there has been an upsurge in maternal deaths in Ghana. However, new initiatives in Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) are helping in addressing these challenges in some regions in Ghana. This new local approach of assigning midwives to the CHPS compound in these communities is improving access to healthcare facilities for childbirth.
The Chronicle questions the state of the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in these communities. What happened to the vital healthcare facilities that should be the first line of defense for expectant mothers? Have they also fallen victim to neglect?
We cannot turn a blind eye to the cries of these mothers, nor can we tolerate the inaction that the powers that be have allowed the situation to persist. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that every expectant mother can access healthcare without putting her life and the life within her at unnecessary risk.
In ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of all ages which is essential to sustainable development, begins with reliable road infrastructure which has been denied some parts of the country for decades.
We call upon municipal authorities, governmental bodies, and all stakeholders to urgently address the state of these roads and prioritize the safety of our mothers.
