Empowering Mothers, Saving Lives: TLF’s Maternal and Mental Health Workshop at Kotoku, Greater Accra Region

Maternal mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, cast shadows on the joyous journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Heartbreakingly, these complications affect 1 in 5 women worldwide. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women grapple with postpartum depression, and an alarming 50% of them remain untreated. In light of this, The Larbi Foundation (TLF) orchestrated a transformative Maternal and Mental Health Workshop in Kotoku, a suburb in Accra, Ghana. This event, held on June 7, 2023, emerged as a beacon of hope, gathered more than 30 pregnant women, and addressed critical issues surrounding maternal mental health and the broader disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Global Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality

A startling statistic underscores the urgency of such initiatives. Globally, infant mortality stands at 31 deaths per 1000 live births. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, this figure spikes to a staggering 51 deaths per 1000 live births. The critical factors contributing to this regional disparity are antenatal (ANC) and postnatal (PNC) care. This workshop emerged as a crucial intervention, addressing the systemic issues that led to these alarming statistics.

Recognizing the significance of antenatal and postnatal care in maternal and newborn health outcomes, TLF’s workshop shed light on the importance of regular check-ups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a minimum of 8 ANC visits before birth and 4 PNC check-ups within 24 hours (and no later than 2 days after birth) significantly improve health outcomes. Shockingly, in Africa, only 52% of pregnant women attend at least 4 ANC visits, and merely 41% undergo PNC check-ups. The workshop aimed to bridge this gap in knowledge and access, empowering women to take charge of their health.

TLF left no stone unturned in ensuring that the workshop attendees received the best guidance possible. Professional medical practitioners were invited to share their expertise on critical topics. Miss Gertrude Appau, delved into perinatal care and pregnancy, providing comprehensive insights into the health and well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy.

Mrs. Victoria Addo-Tetteh took the stage to enlighten the audience on the intricate process of labor and delivery. Her expertise provided soon-to-be mothers with a deeper understanding of what to expect during this transformative moment in their lives.

Miss Naana Osei Tutu also addressed the often-overlooked aspect of postpartum psychiatric disorders. She shed light on the importance of mental well-being during the postpartum period, emphasizing that a healthy mind is crucial for both the mother and the newborn.

The maternal and mental health workshop in Kotoku was more than an event; it was a rallying cry for change. By providing expert insights on perinatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum psychiatric disorders, TLF armed pregnant women with knowledge to navigate the challenges they may face. Essential baby products and Mothercare materials were also distributed, ensuring that these expectant mothers had the necessary tools for a smooth transition into motherhood.

The workshop was also about sharing experiences, concerns, and building a network of support. TLF, through this event, created a space where mothers could connect, empathize, and uplift each other.

As we reflect on the Kotoku workshop, the urgency to empower, educate, and elevate maternal health becomes clear. TLF’s initiative is a call to action, not just for pregnant women in Kotoku but for communities across Ghana and beyond. By addressing mental health challenges, access to care, and systemic disparities, TLF is sowing seeds of change that will undoubtedly bear fruit in healthier, happier futures.

TLF looks forward to collaborating with other organizations and individuals who share this dream of improving healthcare in underserved areas and improving their standard of living.