Over 50 per cent of pregnant women anaemic – GSS
A pregnant woman
A survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has shown that over 50 per cent of pregnant women in the country are anaemic.
The report, dubbed ‘The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey,’ showed that children aged six -59 months in households were eligible for anaemia testing.
It revealed that anaemia prevalence is highest in the Northern region with 69 per cent and 35 per cent in Ahafo.
The Survey showed that anaemia prevalence among children had declined from 78 per cent in 2008.
Anaemia among adults has several negative health consequences, such as fatigue and lethargy.
Touching on caesarean operations, the Survey revealed that deliveries were more common in urban areas, representing 27 per cent compared to 15 per cent in rural areas.
The report said over one in five, representing 21 per cent of live births in the two years preceding the Survey, were delivered through a caesarean operation.
On HIV knowledge, the report revealed that two per cent of women aged 15–49 had sex with more than one partner in the 12 months before the survey.
Of these women, 12 per cent reported using a condom during their last sexual intercourse.
The report also showed that 15 per cent of men aged 15–49 had sex with more than one partner in the 12 months before the survey.
Dr Chris Opoku Fofie, Deputy Director in charge of Reproductive and Child Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), said the Survey would provide timely information to the authorities and develop comprehensive policies to address any anomalies in the report.
He said anaemia among pregnant women was the major concern because it could lead to increased maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes.
He called on the government to invest in health education for the public to be abreast of preventive measures.
Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of Ghana Aids Commission, urged the government to create an enabling legal policy to address the HIV/AIDS menace.
—GNA
