A survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service has shown that over 50 percent of pregnant women in the country are anemic, compared to 40 percent of them who are not pregnant.
The report, dubbed “The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, “showed that children aged 6-59 months in households were eligible for anaemia testing.
It revealed that anaemia prevalence is highest in the Northern region, with 69 percent and 35 percent in Ahafo.
The survey showed that anaemia prevalence among children had declined from 78 percent in 2008. Anaemia among adults has several negative health consequences, such as fatigue and lethargy.
Dr. Chris Opoku Fofie, Deputy Director in Charge of Reproductive and Child Health at Ghana Health Service, 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 with preventive measures.
He used the occasion to encourage men to take a serious interest in the health of their spouses by playing elevated roles, especially during pregnancy. This includes accompanying their spouses and children to maternal healthcare appointments as well as monitoring the diets and overall health of the household.
Touching on caesarean operations, the survey revealed that deliveries were more common in urban areas, representing 27 percent compared to 15 percent in rural areas.
The report said over one in five, representing 21 percent of live births in the two years preceding the survey, were delivered through a caesarean operation.
On malaria, Dr. Nana Yaw Peprah of the National Malaria Elimination Programme revealed that 40% of household members, 49% of children under the age of 5 and 48% of pregnant women slept under treated mosquito nets.
He also disclosed that malaria is more prevalent in rural Ghana.
The Survey is the 7th report conducted in the country since 1988, designed to provide data for monitoring the population and health situation in the country.
