Health Essentials

‘Every birth counts’: The critical need to improve emergency maternal care in Ghana

• Author

Imagine a young woman in labour, her heart racing, her unborn child in distress. She arrives at a district hospital — tired, scared, and in need of immediate care. What happens next determines whether she lives, whether her baby survives — and whether another Ghanaian family is shattered by a preventable loss.

A recent study in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region is shedding new light on the realities of emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) in Ghana. The findings are sobering — but they also reveal a clear path forward.

Why this matters now

Despite progress in maternal health, far too many Ghanaian women are still dying from childbirth-related complications. Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio is estimated at 308 per 100,000 live births — nearly 20 times higher than the average in high-income countries.

“We know what the problems are, and we know how to solve them,” says Dr Reuben Esena, one of the study authors. “The question is: are we willing to invest where it matters most — in women’s lives?”

What the study found

The research, published in the International Journal of Science Academic Research, evaluated three key hospitals — St. Martins Catholic Hospital, Atua Government Hospital, and Akuse Government Hospital — which serve a population of over 108,000 in Lower Manya Krobo.

The study reviewed 271 cases of obstetric complications and found that the most common were:

– Foetal distress (18 per cent)

– Complications from previous C-sections (13 per cent)

– Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (8 per cent)

– Cephalopelvic disproportion and breech deliveries (7 per cent)

These complications are not rare, nor are they unpredictable. Most are entirely preventable or manageable — with timely intervention and well-equipped facilities.

A mixed picture: Progress and gaps

The good news? All three hospitals provide round-the-clock EmONC services, staffed by midwives, medical officers, and anaesthetists. Life-saving drugs like oxytocin and magnesium sulfate are widely available. Caesarean sections and manual placenta removal are routinely performed when needed.

The bad news? None of the facilities had an infant laryngoscope — essential for newborn resuscitation. Only one had ergometrine to control bleeding after childbirth. And not a single case utilised assisted vaginal delivery — even where it might have been appropriate.

In some cases, multiple complications overlapped, such as foetal distress plus severe pre-eclampsia. For a woman in that situation, every minute counts. Every delay risks two lives — or more.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Women aged 25–29 years had the highest number of complications — a reminder that even “prime age” pregnancies can be dangerous without the right support. But adolescents and women over 40 faced some of the most severe risks, including eclampsia, foetal death, and difficult labour.

“Our younger girls, especially those between 15–19 years, are particularly vulnerable,” the study noted. “They come late to the hospital, sometimes after trying traditional remedies at home. By the time they arrive, it’s often too late.”

A national crisis demands national response

The maternal health challenges in Lower Manya Krobo reflect a broader national reality. Many districts across Ghana lack the full complement of staff, drugs, and equipment required for quality EmONC services.

But the solutions are not out of reach.

So what must we do?

1. Invest in life¬-saving supplies and training: Every hospital handling deliveries should be equipped with the full range of emergency tools — including items as simple, but critical, as an infant laryngoscope or ergometrine injection.

2. Improve documentation and digital health systems: Accurate records allow clinicians to track complications and adjust care accordingly. Ghana’s shift to digital health must prioritise maternal health systems.

3. Decentralise comprehensive EmONC: More health centres and CHPS compounds need capacity to offer basic EmONC. Complications don’t wait for referrals — care must be accessible at the first point of contact.

4. Promote community education: Women and families must be educated on the importance of antenatal care, early referrals, and hospital deliveries, especially in rural areas where myths and delays still cost lives.

Every woman deserves a safe birth

This study is more than data — it’s a call to action. Behind every statistic is a mother, a child, a family. Ghana has the knowledge, the workforce, and the policy framework to make maternal death a thing of the past.

What remains is commitment — not just in funding, but in leadership, in community involvement, and in valuing every single life.

As the researchers conclude: “Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care is not a privilege. It is a right — and one that Ghana must deliver.”

By Henry Okorie Ugorji

Health Essentials

The impact of mental health misconceptions on relationships and marriage

As we manoeuvre the complexities of relationships and marriage, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role mental health plays in our overall well-being.

Unfortunately, mental health is often shrouded in misconceptions that can have far-reaching consequences on our relationships.

In this article, we will explore five common misconceptions about mental illness and how they can affect our relationships and marriages.

Misconception 1: People with mental illness are violent and dangerous

One of the most pervasive misconceptions about mental illness is that people who suffer from it are violent and dangerous. This could not be further from the truth. Research has shown that individuals with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. In fact, studies have found that people with mental illness are two to three times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.

In relationships and marriages, this misconception can lead to fear and mistrust. Partners may worry that their loved one’s mental health condition will lead to violent outbursts or unpredictable behaviour. However, with proper treatment and support, individuals with mental illness can lead healthy, productive lives.

Misconception 2: Having a mental illness means you are “crazy”

Another common misconception is that having a mental illness means someone is “crazy” or unstable. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.

In relationships, this misconception can create tension and conflict. Partners may not understand their loved one’s mental health condition, leading to frustration and resentment. However, by educating ourselves about mental health and seeking support, we can work to break down this stigma and build stronger, more supportive relationships.

Misconception 3: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) only affects military personnel

PTSD is often associated with military personnel, but the reality is that anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. This can include survivors of natural disasters, domestic abuse, or sexual assault.

PTSD can have a significant impact on relationships and marriages. Partners may struggle to understand their loved one’s symptoms, leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. However, by seeking support and education, couples can work together to build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

Misconception 4: Mental Health conditions are rare

Mental health conditions are more common than we think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives.

In relationships and marriages, mental health conditions can affect anyone. Partners may struggle to cope with their loved one’s mental health condition, leading to feelings of burnout and resentment. However, by seeking support and education, couples can work together to build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

Misconception 5: Seeking help for mental illness leads to stigma

Finally, many people believe that seeking help for mental illness will lead to stigma and judgment from others. However, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Seeking help for mental illness can actually strengthen the relationship. By working together to address mental health concerns, couples can build a stronger, more supportive relationship.

The importance of education and support

Education and support are key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. By learning about mental health conditions and seeking support, couples can build stronger, more supportive relationships.

Communication is essential for the relationship’s health. Partners should feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking support from each other. By doing so, couples can work together to build a stronger, more resilient relationship.

In conclusion, mental health myths can have a significant impact on relationships and marriages. By educating ourselves about mental health and seeking support, we can work to break down these misconceptions and build stronger relationships.

If you are struggling with mental health concerns or know someone who is, do not hesitate to seek help. With the right support and education, couples can build a stronger, more resilient relationship that can withstand the challenges of mental health concerns.

To be continued …

Source: Excerpts from “COURTSHIP MATTERS: Keys to a Fulfilling Lasting Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Lecturer, Author, and Marriage Counsellor).

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https://princeoffei22.wixsite.com/author https://counselorprinceass.wixsite.com/edu-counseling-psych https://princeoffei22.wixsite.com/website

COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE)

Health Essentials

Is broken-heart syndrome real?

Depressed woman in bed with hands on face

I am sure Cupid is often amazed at the extent some of us go when it comes to the affairs of the heart, but maybe the adage “it is better to have loved and lost than to never love at all.” Love is a good thing but it may also come with its unique challenges.

When love goes bad or one’s expectations in a relationship are not met, some people may suffer what we refer to as broken-heart syndrome. We may think this is purely an emotional phenomenon BUT there is evidence that the heart literally breaks and even the best heart doctors may struggle to differentiate it from a Heart Attack.

The good news is that when your heart breaks from love gone bad, loss of a loved one, financial challenges and even strangely extreme happiness such as winning a huge amount of money or even a surprise mega party, all the changes are reversible from a few days to a maximum of two to three months. Women seem to bear the brunt of this syndrome especially after menopause.

I remember years ago whenever any of my team members at the emergency prompted me that a young lady had just been brought in with “hysteria” you could bet your last crumpled Ghana cedi that there was love in the mix. The story will often unfold slowly and the “unconscious” lady will promptly sit up in bed and spend a significant time being counselled; maybe we should have run more tests on their hearts at the time.

Broken Heart Syndrome may have symptoms that feel like a heart attack and may include chest pain and shortness of breath BUT unlike a heart attack it is not caused by clogged arteries, instead it may be precipitated by an emotionally stressful event such as hearing or seeing on social media that your ride or die partner has other plans.

It appears that stress hormones overwhelm the heart causing heart vessels to go into spasm and instantly reducing oxygen to the heart muscle and mimicking a heart attack. This “stunning” of the heart may be associated with dizziness, fainting, nausea, irregular heartbeat and low blood pressure. These symptoms may start from a few minutes to hours after the stressful event.

Fortunately you will rarely die from broken heart syndrome and you are not more likely to suffer from broken heart syndrome if you already have heart disease but some risk factors do exist:

• Being female

• Age 50 years and above for both males and females

• Your genes may predispose you

• Having a head injury or seizure disorder

• Having anxiety or depression

Some blood tests and ECG (not the company that plays games with our hearts through agonising dumsor) may show heart injury but other heart tests may make the picture clearer though the first few hours can be difficult to tell and one will need to be started on medication to protect the heart.

Fortunately the heart changes from Broken Heart Syndrome are easily reversible and people recover much quicker than someone who has suffered a heart attack. Rarely someone may have complications from this such as heart valve damage or heart failure.

Did we have a surge in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (aka Broken Heart Syndrome) about two months ago when we marked Valentine’s Day? “I cannot know, I cannot tell” but the emotional challenges people go through on this single day may be enough to precipitate Broken Heart Syndrome and taking care of our health holistically including mental, social and physical health will go a long way to speed up our recovery when we happen to be hit by this bug.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd/ Medics Clinic

(dressel@healthessentialsgh. com)

*Dr Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week – “For heart health you need to relax and have fun as well; schedule time for leisure, sing praises to God, laugh often, learn to breathe deeply and maybe get a pet. Avoid toxic relationships as much as possible.”

References:

1. Broken-Heart Syndrome- Mary Jo DiLonardo, WebMD

2. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy – Harvard Health Publishing

By Dr Kojo Cobba Essel