Birth Asphyxia awareness month launched
The Paediatric Society of Ghana (PSG) has launched this year's Birth Asphyxia Awareness Month (BAAM) to shed light on the challenges of birth asphyxia, a significant cause of neonatal mortality in Ghana.
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The awareness month is also to push for improved healthcare systems to combat the condition.
The month-long campaign, observed every September, on the theme: “Breathing Life into Every Baby”, includes a series of events such as public forums, stakeholder meetings, and training workshops targeting healthcare workers.
Birth asphyxia happens when a baby's brain and other organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients before, during or right after birth.
Present at the launch were the Acting Chief Executive of the Sunyani Teaching Hospital, Dr (Med) Cardinal Newton; a Fetomaternal Consultant, Dr Charles Adu-Takyi; Neonatologist, Dr (Med) Akua Afriyie Ocran, and the President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr (Med) Frank Serebour.
Prevention
In his opening remarks, the Vice-President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr (Med) Emmanuel Oppong, highlighted the critical role of antenatal care in preventing birth asphyxia.
He emphasised the need for better training programmes designed to equip healthcare workers with the skills to manage and prevent birth asphyxia.
“We have observed that some facilities are facing challenges in having the basic equipment needed to manage and prevent cases of birth asphyxia properly,” he said.
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Dr (Med) Oppong also stressed the long-term effects of the condition on survivors, including learning disabilities and cerebral palsy, underscoring the importance of early intervention and proper care.
Fundraising
This year’s campaign includes a nationwide fundraising initiative aimed at procuring essential medical equipment for healthcare facilities.
“This fundraising effort is to identify facilities that are having peculiar challenges with birth asphyxia incidents and provide them with the tools they need to make a difference,” Dr (Med) Oppong added.
Critical nature
The Director of the Family Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Marion Okoh-Owusu, acknowledged the critical nature of birth asphyxia as a leading cause of newborn mortality in Ghana and pledged the full backing of the Ghana Health Service in promoting the campaign.
“I’m happy to join you at the national launch of the Birth Asphyxia Awareness Month. It is important for us to address the factors contributing to birth asphyxia and make a big difference in how we manage this condition,” she stated.
Engagement
Dr Okoh-Owusu also revealed plans to engage with healthcare facilities across the country.
“The Family Health Division will join various facilities during this awareness month. We will send letters to regional directors of health services and encourage activities that raise awareness on birth asphyxia in antenatal clinics and hospital wards nationwide,” she said.
She further emphasised the need for collective effort, “Every one of us has a role to play, healthcare professionals, policymakers, concerned citizens, let’s ensure that every newborn has the best possible start in life”.