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Naa Amorkor Shikafutru I and St John Ambulance Ghana Launch Maternal Health Initiative
•2 min read•1 source
Naa-Amorkor Shikafutru I, the Queenmother of the Asere Amartse We Clan of Sakumo, has formally endorsed a new mother and baby initiative spearheaded by St John Ambulance Ghana. Launched in Accra under the theme "Healthy mothers, healthy babies, stronger communities: Advancing free primary health care through mother and baby care," the programme is designed to tackle persistent challenges in maternal and child health. By bridging the gap between households and medical facilities, the initiative seeks to ensure that expectant mothers receive timely and professional care throughout their pregnancy and the critical postnatal period.
Speaking at the launch event, Naa-Amorkor highlighted the critical need for increased awareness regarding the "danger signs" associated with pregnancy and childbirth. She observed that delayed care often stems from a lack of information or deep-seated harmful beliefs about medical access. To counter this, she urged traditional leaders to champion healthy practices and called for more active participation from husbands and family members. Her appeal emphasized that supporting women during the antenatal and postnatal periods is a collective responsibility that directly impacts the stability and health of the entire community.
Dr. Anthony Apedzi, CEO of St John Ambulance Ghana, explained that the mother and baby programme represents a strategic expansion of the organization's mission. While the institution is widely recognized for its emergency services and first aid training, it is now integrating community-based maternal and newborn health interventions into its core operations. This shift aims to foster a more robust support system where volunteers work alongside health services to improve outcomes for both mothers and infants, ultimately advancing the goal of free and accessible primary healthcare across Ghana.
