The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) recently conducted a survey indicating that more than half of pregnant women in the country, over 50%, are anaemic, in contrast to the 40% of non-pregnant women.
The findings, part of the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, also highlighted that anaemia prevalence is most pronounced in the Northern region at 69%, while Ahafo recorded 35%.
The survey focused on children aged 6-59 months, revealing a decline in anaemia prevalence from 78% in 2008. Adults experiencing anaemia face various health issues such as fatigue and lethargy.
Regarding childbirth, the survey disclosed that deliveries were more frequent in urban areas, constituting 27%, compared to 15% in rural areas. Notably, 21% of live births in the two years preceding the survey were delivered through caesarean operations.
On the topic of HIV knowledge, the report disclosed that 2% of women aged 15–49 engaged in sex with more than one partner in the 12 months before the survey. Among them, 12% reported using condoms during their last sexual encounter. For men aged 15–49, 15% had multiple partners, with 18% using condoms during their last sexual encounter.
Dr. Chris Opoku Fofie, Deputy Director in Charge of Reproductive and Child Health at Ghana Health Service, emphasized the survey’s importance in providing timely information for policy development. He expressed concern about anaemia in pregnant women, highlighting its potential impact on maternal mortality and birth outcomes.
Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of Ghana Aids Commission, called for an enabling legal policy to address the HIV/AIDS issue.
This survey, the 7th since 1988, aims to offer data for monitoring population and health in Ghana. Conducted by the GSS with funding from various organizations, it included interviews with a nationally representative sample of 15,014 women aged 15–49 and 7,044 men aged 15–49, achieving response rates of 98% for women and 97% for men.
