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22.10.2012 General News

Gomoa Ajumako Taxi Union reducing maternal mortality

22.10.2012 LISTEN
By GNA

Ajumako(C/R), Oct. 21, GNA - The Taxi Drivers Association of Gomoa Ajumako Ayan Assiem District of the Central Region, has been commended for their outstanding and dedicated service to saving the lives of pregnant women and their unborn babies.

“Your altruistic efforts in driving pregnant women who are in labour to deliver in health facilities have saved many lives and even reduced maternal mortality in your area,” says Ms Rosina Barba, who is part of the 10 -member delegation of the friends of UNFPA who are in the country from New York in the United States to acquaint themselves with the reproductive health of women.

She was speaking at Ajumako.
The delegation, have visited health facilities in Greater Accra, Northern and Upper East Regions supported by the UNFPA's fifth Country Programme (2006-2011).

Friends of UNFPA, is a US based non-profit organisation that advances UNFPA's global efforts by mobilising funds, doing advocacy and action for life saving work by the Fund.

The visit to Ghana forms part of organisation's annual visit to field offices.

Ms Doris Ahelegbe District Director of Health explained that the region constantly recorded the highest maternal mortality in the early 2000s and decided to sign a memorandum of understanding with the local road transport union to transport pregnant women to the nearest health facility.

“I am happy to let you know that some of these drivers donate blood when necessary to the pregnant women. Since 2006, we have not recorded any maternal deaths.”

The Ghana Health Service and the Transport Union Initiative supported by the European Union, UNFPA and the government, reward hard working drivers who excel under the initiative to save lives.

Mr Philip Asamoah District Coordinating Director commended the drivers for their assiduous effort for supporting lives.

Ms Esi Awotwi UNFPA HIV and AIDS Focal Person who accompanied the delegation commended the district for the hard work in ensuring that the area recorded no maternal deaths since 2006.

The delegation presented a certificate of appreciation to the district for the outstanding and dedicated service to women, children and families of Ghana.

Outstanding drivers who have excelled in transporting pregnant women to health facilities were given certificates of appreciation and UNFPA souvenirs.

At Agona Abodom , the delegation called on Nana Ahwer Anquandoh III Tufohene of Agona Abodom in the region, who have an adolescent Reproductive Health initiative christened “Time with Grandma”, which helped the youth in the community to lead a responsible sexual life.

The 65 year- old chief initiative organises the youth after school every Tuesday and takes them through adolescent and sexual reproductive health issues.

She also organises women support groups to embark on house to house education on proper bathing, hand washing and keeping the home clean.

For the aged, Time with Grandma organises keep Fit exercises to keep them fit and stay healthy.

GNA

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