The body of a day-old baby girl has been discovered in a gutter along the road to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Koforidua.
The lifeless infant was found early Tuesday morning by residents going about their daily routines.
Currently, the community has not identified who may have abandoned the baby.
The Effiduase Police have since retrieved the body and are investigating the incident.
This heartbreaking incident brings to the fore concerns about maternal mental health issues among women in Ghana.
A recent study on the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) found that approximately 27% of women who delivered at various health facilities across the country experience PPD.
These maternal mental health disorders can have far-reaching consequences, leading to an increased risk of maternal mortality, stunted child development, and social impacts such as stigma, discrimination, and divorce.
Alarming statistics show that about 20% of postpartum deaths are due to suicide.
Dr. Promise Sefogah, a gynecologist and lead consultant for the World Health Organization on maternal mental health in Ghana, noted several triggers for postpartum depression among Ghanaian women.
These include financial burdens associated with delivery, inability to pay medical bills, fear of C-section procedures, and situations like preterm delivery, baby theft, or separation from their newborns.
Unfortunately, many healthcare workers lack adequate training in maternal mental health, while screening tools and public awareness remain limited.
Calls have intensified for a national Maternal Mental Health Policy that can be integrated into Ghana’s healthcare system.
This would ensure that mental health support and screenings are accessible for expectant and new mothers, potentially reducing incidents like these and supporting maternal well-being.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
