In a continued effort to make reproductive and maternal healthcare universally accessible in the Gomoa West District, the Gomoa Ankamu Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound has integrated women living with disabilities into its flagship “Pregnancy School” initiative.
The programme, led by public health nurse, disability inclusion advocate and Mandela Washington Fellow Miss Gifty Akosua Adzigbey, brought expectant mothers and frontline health workers together to learn critical aspects of prenatal care and safe motherhood.
The Pregnancy School serves as a collaborative platform designed to educate pregnant women on birth preparedness, complication readiness, balanced maternal nutrition, infant immunisation schedules and postpartum family planning.
The latest session focused squarely on two of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and foetal complications in Ghana: malaria and anaemia during pregnancy.
Health personnel educated participants on the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), strict adherence to intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and the importance of daily iron and folic acid supplementation alongside nutrient-rich local diets.
To reinforce understanding and ensure retention of clinical advice, the session concluded with an interactive quiz, testing participants on warning signs, preventive behaviours and dietary best practices.
A standout highlight of the engagement was the active participation of three expectant mothers living with disabilities, who took part in the educational discussions and interactive exercises alongside other women.
Miss Adzigbey noted that for maternal mortality rates to decline meaningfully, health directorates must dismantle physical, communication and attitudinal barriers that often discourage pregnant women with disabilities from attending antenatal clinics.
“As a public health nurse and disability inclusion advocate in a district committed to disability-friendly services, we ensure that we never leave anyone behind,” Miss Adzigbey stated. “Having women living with disabilities actively participating and learning alongside others is proof of our shared vision for equitable healthcare.”
Advocates in the district continue to emphasise that achieving zero preventable maternal and perinatal deaths requires community-wide action, where health facilities proactively identify vulnerable mothers, include them in clinical education and tailor prenatal services to accommodate diverse physical and cognitive needs.
“Prevention of maternal and perinatal death is a shared responsibility,” Miss Adzigbey concluded. “Together, we can achieve safe motherhood for every woman, regardless of ability.”
The inclusive approach adopted by the Gomoa Ankamu CHPS compound reinforces Gomoa West’s broader ambition to become Ghana’s first fully certified disability-friendly health district, setting a strong benchmark for community-level maternal health delivery.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
