Health-seeking behavior on the part of clients is slowing down the quest to reduce the maternal mortality rate in the Central Region.

Experts are worried that pregnant women do not exhibit signs of commitment to antenatal care as well as observe medical advice offered to them.

The Central Region, according to the Ghana Health Service, remains the best in terms of maternal healthcare delivery.

The region is recognized for maintaining low rates of maternal mortality in the last three years and is declared the safest region for safe baby delivery.

In 2020, the region recorded 75 maternal deaths. The figure, however, rose to 79 in the following year and reduced by 10 to 69 in 2022.

Half of the year 2023 has seen 29 maternal deaths occurring in the region which is a sharp decline in the figures.

The regional health service seeks to reduce the numbers even further and has made it a priority.

However, the directorate is concerned about the attitude of some pregnant women who fail to seek and or pay regular visits to antenatal health facilities.

Their failure to observe medical advice offered by experts is also an albatross that is affecting the zero maternal mortality project.

So far, the Gomoa Potsin Polyclinic holds the enviable record of zero maternal death among its peers. It has not recorded any maternal death since its establishment five years ago.

At a ceremony to mark the facility’s five-year anniversary, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Jerry Kwaku Vlad Nkegbe expressed worry about the poor road infrastructure in the Potsin area.

He fears the nature of the road network, logistical constraints, and inadequate human resources at the facility can topple the enviable record that has been achieved so far and is pleading with authorities at the Gomoa East District Assembly to put in place measures to address these challenges.

By: Akwasi Addo | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana