Sekyere East District health authorities are confronting a significant public health crisis as anaemia prevalence among pregnant women continues to climb, reaching 37.42% in 2025. This alarming trend emerged during the district’s 2025 Annual Performance Review, where it was noted that the increase occurred despite a notable decrease in antenatal care registrations over the past five years.
Rising Anaemia Rates
The District Health Director, Dr. Justice Ofori-Amoah, highlighted the escalating anaemia rates at 36 weeks of pregnancy as a persistent and worrying challenge. The proportion of pregnant women diagnosed with anaemia has seen a steady increase, rising from 27.93% in 2021 to 37.42% in 2025.
This rise in anaemia is particularly concerning because it coincides with a drop in antenatal care attendance. In 2021, 1,579 pregnant women registered for antenatal care, with 27.93% diagnosed with anaemia. By 2025, registrations had fallen to 1,061, yet the anaemia rate had climbed to 37.42%, meaning over one in three pregnant women receiving care was anaemic.
Dr. Ofori-Amoah stated, “What is more alarming in the district for the last five years consecutively is anaemia among pregnant women at week 36.” He further elaborated on the year-on-year increase: 33.12% in 2022 with 1,226 registrations, 35.77% in 2023 with 1,110 registrations, and 36.32% in 2024 with 1,027 registrations.
Declining Antenatal Care Attendance
The decline in antenatal care (ANC) registrations, which have dropped by approximately one-third since 2021, exacerbates the anaemia problem. This trend raises dual concerns about the nutritional status of pregnant women and their access to essential health services.
Dr. Ofori-Amoah expressed his dismay, saying, “So consistently you realized that the anaemia situation in the district is just increasing every year by year which is quite worrying.” He also noted that some women do not attend ANC services at all, a situation he described as “disturbing.”
Stakeholder Response and Interventions
In response to the growing crisis, stakeholders, including traditional leaders and district authorities, have convened to discuss practical solutions. A key focus has been encouraging pregnant women to consume locally produced nutrient-rich foods such as kontomire (cocoyam leaves) and turkey berry.
Dr. Ofori-Amoah also mentioned the adoption of Iron III polymers in some health facilities. These supplements are administered on-site, ensuring immediate intake, which is seen as a positive step. However, a challenge remains as some women reportedly do not adhere to prescribed medication regimens once they leave the health facility.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least four antenatal care visits during pregnancy. Dr. Ofori-Amoah urged pregnant women to seek early and regular ANC, emphasizing its importance for safe delivery and avoiding complications, including maternal and fetal deaths.
Traditional Leadership Call to Action
Nana Kweku Adjei Juma II, Chief of Nsutem, acknowledged the district’s progress in areas like antenatal attendance and family planning services, noting a high number of hospital visits for pregnant women last year. However, he echoed the concern about anaemia, describing it as a major issue where pregnant women lose blood, sometimes leading to death.
Nana Juma appealed to families, particularly husbands, to support pregnant women by reminding them to take their prescribed medications. He also promoted the consumption of local foods like mushrooms and snails, known for their blood-building properties, advising pregnant women to incorporate them into their diet early in pregnancy.
The chief warned of the severe consequences of anaemia, including potential brain damage to the fetus, which can affect a child’s learning abilities later in life. He emphasized the pain of losing a pregnant woman or a baby during delivery.
Rabies Concerns Also Surface
The annual review also brought to light concerns regarding rabies, following the tragic death of a 12-year-old child who was bitten by a dog. Nana Juma urged all dog owners in the district to ensure their pets are vaccinated to prevent further incidents.
Community leaders plan to continue engaging residents on both anaemia prevention and rabies control to improve overall community health.
Looking Ahead
Health officials and community leaders express hope that increased awareness, consistent antenatal care attendance, and robust community support will lead to a reduction in anaemia cases in the coming year. The focus will be on improving adherence to medication, promoting dietary changes, and ensuring pregnant women access timely healthcare services. The effectiveness of interventions like Iron III polymers and community-led awareness campaigns will be closely monitored.
Leave a Reply