First Lady Rebecca Advocates Healthy Living On Mother's Day

The Frist Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo is celebrating Ghanaian mothers with a call on them to pay attention to their well-being and that of their children.

The second Sunday in May every year is set aside to celebrate mothers across the globe for the vital role their play in families and upbringing of children.

The First Lady in a statement urged mothers to ensure that their kids sleep under treated mosquito nets, and also receive vaccinations at the right time.

“I encourage all mothers to ensure they and their families sleep under treated mosquito nets every night and exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least six months. Every mother must make sure her children receive all their vaccinations, at the right time and teach older children regular hand washing with soap and under running water to prevent them from getting unwanted infections and diseases.”

She also advised them to periodically check-up on their health to prevent breast cervical cancer “known to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for women.”

She also encouraged pregnant mothers to take antenatal check-ups seriously to reduce maternal mortality in the country drastically.

“Maternal mortality remains a major healthcare problem, and I believe it is our collective responsibility to reduce the risks that pregnant women face while carrying a baby. Please attend antenatal check-ups and follow the advice of your health provider,” she advised.

Below is the full statement:
MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE BY H.E MRS. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO -2018

Today, we celebrate and pay tribute to a unique figure in our lives, our Mother. A mother is God's gift to her family and the world. The bond between a mother and her child is a spiritual bond that can never be broken. So on this day, I will like to call attention to some issues that affect the well-being of women and children.

It is a mother's responsibility to ensure the family is safe and healthy.

I encourage all mothers to ensure they and their families sleep under treated mosquito nets every night and exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least six months. Every mother must make sure her children receive all their vaccinations, at the right time and teach older children regular hand washing with soap and under running water to prevent them from getting unwanted infections and diseases.

Breast and cervical cancer are known to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for women. But early detection and treatment save lives. Please examine your breast every month and immediately see a doctor when you notice any changes in your breast and undertake regular checks for cervical cancer.

As an advocate for the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, I urge every pregnant woman to know her HIV status. With early diagnoses and treatment, babies can be prevented from being infected with HIV from an HIV positive mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also, mothers affected can live long healthy and happy lives, to care for their children and families.

Maternal mortality remains a major healthcare problem, and I believe it is our collective responsibility to reduce the risks that pregnant women face while carrying a baby. Please attend antenatal check-ups and follow the advice of your health provider.

It should be the delight of every mother to see their children get an education to give them the equal advantage in a global space. We as mothers must see to it that our children, especially our girls go to school and stay in school.

Happy Mothers' Day to all our remarkable mothers.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin