Felicia Martey-Dodoo urges early antenatal care to prevent malaria

Felicia Martey-Dodoo, the Principal Midwifery Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, has issued a strong call to pregnant women to seek antenatal care (ANC) immediately after confirming their status. This intervention is specifically aimed at minimizing malaria-related complications, which remain a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health in Ghana. According to the senior midwife, starting ANC early ensures that expectant mothers receive the screenings and preventive treatments required to navigate the physiological changes of pregnancy safely. Martey-Dodoo highlighted that changes in a woman’s immune system during pregnancy make her significantly more susceptible to malaria infections. She warned that delaying medical attention can lead to severe clinical consequences, including maternal anaemia and premature delivery. To avoid these risks, she cautioned against self-medication and identified key symptoms such as fever and vomiting. She urged expectant mothers to prioritize professional testing and diagnosis at healthcare facilities rather than relying on over-the-counter drugs or home remedies which might be ineffective or harmful. To combat the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women, the Principal Midwifery Officer emphasized the consistent use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). She also detailed the importance of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), specifically the administration of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) starting from the 16th week of gestation. These clinical protocols are vital for reducing the parasite load in the mother's system and safeguarding the developing foetus from the adverse effects of malaria. A significant hurdle identified in the delivery of maternal healthcare is the persistence of certain cultural beliefs that discourage women from registering for antenatal care in the first trimester. Martey-Dodoo noted that these delays often hinder the timely identification and treatment of malaria and other underlying conditions. She concluded by stressing that early registration and regular attendance at ANC clinics are the most effective ways to overcome these social barriers and ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.