Action on Preeclampsia Ghana (APECGH) Launches Maiden Newsletter For Health Professionals and Expectant Mothers

Action on Preeclampsia Ghana (APECGH) is the sole Preeclampsia working advocacy organization in Ghana with the aim of raising public and professional awareness of Preeclampsia and its related variances and to support families and mothers who have suffered from Preeclampsia.

The Non-Governmental Organisation seeks to help save precious lives of mothers and infants from the fatal stings of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP), notably Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP Syndrome.

With their introductory issue complete and subsequent issues already in works, APECGH has finally launched its first Newsletter for this year.

According to the lead chair of the editorial board, Mrs. Koiwah Koi -Larbi Ofosuapea,  Action on Preeclampsia Ghana will regularly create original content quarterly in 2021 to furnish health workers and expectant mothers with information pertaining to preeclampsia.

ALSO READ: SUNG HERO’S WHO ALWAYS IMPACT KNOWLEDGE IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE

She added that: ” Our goal with this newsletter is to provide vital information on Preeclampsia and its related variances and also highlight relevant research, achievement, and challenges made in Ghana on the management of Hypertensive Disorders in Ghana. Information in this newsletter will also be beneficial to our patient community as it will provide learning opportunities for all pregnant women as well as women of child-bearing age to ensure safe delivery and promote preconception care. As an organization, we envision a world where Preeclampsia no longer threatens the lives of mothers and babies. Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP) is a major global health issue not only because of it’s close accompaniment of significant perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy is the 2nd leading cause of maternal and infant mortality. Several research studies have attested to the fact that hypertension in pregnancy is a major factor in maternal mortality and child death. One of which is a study done in 2013 by the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana stating that ‘There is a significant burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with HDP in the Ghanaian obstetric population and these adverse outcomes were more prevalent in Preeclampsia as compared to the other Hypertensive. It is estimated that for every early neonatal death there is another baby that is born dead (stillbirth) and HDP accounts for most of these perinatal losses, especially in low resource settings. A regular goal-oriented clinical audit into perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with HDP and an active multidisciplinary approach to the management of this disease in the hospital might improve the clinical outcomes of women with maternal hypertension.

ALSO READ: Doom Looms UK as Health Minister Test Positive for Corona Virus

There is one thing that is closely associated with this pregnancy disease: light. Preeclampsia is simply lightning and thunder to those who have witnessed it. This appears to be of a negative connotation and brings undesirable memories to families and persons who have suffered this feat. Nonetheless, it is the same light that ought to overcome the darkness of this disease. Knowledge is key. What is it that must be done to avoid and or prevent and or manage the situation when lightning strikes? Just be prepared. It must be noted that Preeclampsia is an illness that happens only in pregnancy or shortly after birth. In our preparation, we must know the signs and understand the symptoms, risks, and management of the same. The concept of preeclampsia, which invariably deals with symptoms and signs, sits on hypertension and proteinuria. Hence attending an antenatal clinic immediately upon detecting pregnancy is the solution. The health experts should be monitored to do the rest of the work especially on regular checks on blood pressure and urine. Once regular antenatal checks are in place, doctors and midwives are able to see how preeclampsia develop from its earliest signs.

ALSO READ: Sad! The Situation at Ridge Hospital Now after Obour ’s Father Died from Covid-19

As a three-time survivor of Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, and HELLP Syndrome, I cannot say it any less that every woman needs to be empowered through education and knowledge translation to take charge of their health. We, therefore, invite all readers to take time to read this inaugural edition of the newsletter and refer a friend to subscribe. Please do not hesitate to leave feedback or comment through the contact information provided.
On this note, we say AKWAABA and we look forward to a wonderful journey with you in 2021”