UNFPA VRS FISTULA

Growing up in this country on the west coast of Africa is one of great adventure and expectation in the life of a young Ghanaian girl. Right from puberty to adolescence to the warm arms of adulthood, it is the dream of every woman to be a mother and cuddle her baby in her arms, singing one of the numerous soothing Ghanaian lullabies. For whichever reason, a woman needs to get married and have babies; it is one of great cultural essence and prestige. However, it becomes stressful and heartbreaking for a woman who is unable to have babies or have a safe delivery due to limited health care and awareness. One of such hurdles is fistula, a condition in women. 

According to the results of the 2010 Population and Housing Census on 31^st May 2012 by the Ghana Statistical Service, there is an estimated 12,633,978 women in Ghana. This represents 51.2% of the total population, stressing the essence of the United Nations Population Fund in addressing maternal health challenges. The pace of female dominance in Ghana’s population over the years undeniably exposes the country to more cases of female related health issues.

Obstetric Fistula also known as vaginal fistula is a severe morbidity caused by prolonged obstructed labor unrelieved by timely medical intervention. Though this condition can be treated, it is the major cause of maternal mortality especially in the Northern part of the country. According to the World Health Organization, between 500, 000 and 100,000 (cross-check these figures) women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula, which is characterized by a hole in the birth canal. 

In some parts of Ghana where access to healthcare is an issue to contend with, there have been increasing reports of women living with fistula for over forty years without seeking medical attention. Fortunately, fistula is avoidable. Unfortunately, not many women know about it. Obstetric fistula can be avoided by timely access to obstetric care, delaying the age of first pregnancy and the cessation of harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Cutting. 

The United Nations Population Fund has taken giant strides to thrush out this canker. UNFPA has rolled out programs to educate young and adult women on the causes and implications of this condition. The UNFPA has recognized the essence of education in fighting the problem of fistula. This is reiterated by media training programs organized in the bid to create awareness on the condition. UNFPA has also gone a step further to equip women with tools that will help rid them of this condition which is done in the effort to reduce maternal mortality to the barest minimum in Ghana. Obstetric Fistula contributes to the number of maternal deaths we have in the country. 

The highest rates of obstetric fistula are found in countries that are less developed. Fighting Fistula falls under the mandate of the UNFPA which focuses on improving Adolescent Reproductive Health, reducing the rates of teenage pregnancy, improving sexual health, and eliminating early marriages. 

The global campaign to End Fistula is an integral component of UNFPAs overall strategy to improve maternal health which also includes interventions to avoid fistula, treat women who have fistula and help women affected by fistula recover. Women with fistula face among other medical symptoms, incontinence, shame, social segregation and stigma. It is sad to say that lack of access to contraceptives among girls in rural Ghana results in adolescent and teenage pregnancy cases which in turn causes the risk of conditions such as fistula and invariably maternal mortality. Goal 5 of the Millennium Development Goals is a major priority of the UNFPA. It aims at improving maternal health by reducing by three- quarters the maternal mortality ratio. UNFPA’s priority is to help make fistula as rare in developing countries as it is in the developed world. This is because; a decrease in the number of fistula patients means a decrease in the rate of maternal deaths. It is worth noting that the interventions used helps UNFPA not only reduce the fistula rate, but achieve other positive results in the interest of young people and women. 

In Ghana, pregnant women in some rural areas lack access to obstetric care where some Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are unable to provide the right anti-natal advice or care to their clients. Some of these TBAs are unable to manage complications that come alongside child birth due to no or less professional training in handling labor complications.  In some parts of Ghana, women who give birth without assistance are seen as brave. This is causing a major challenge of likely maternal mortality cases. Women in such areas are not aware and informed on modern birth practices and the implications of some decisions and actions they take. This makes the issue of maternal mortality more than a mandate but a drive of passion to UNFPA as it seeks to improve the livelihoods and Sexual and Reproductive Health of women and young people in Ghana.

The implications of some decisions by the Government of Ghana to tax condoms is one that will undeniably affect the effort and path the UNFPA Ghana Country Office has taken in reducing maternal mortality. The male and female condoms are the most popular dual purpose contraceptives – prevents pregnancy and, HIV & AIDS and other STIs. Affordability and accessibility of condoms as contraceptives is one of the most effective ways of avoiding maternal deaths through preventing unplanned and early pregnancies. When young people have access to condoms, they can avoid unplanned pregnancies and invariably prevent maternal deaths. Therefore it is rather disheartening that the Government of Ghana is proposing an increase in the prices of condoms in the country. In a bid to contribute to the development of the country, it is prudent for all stakeholders and civil society organizations to take up issues of healthcare and essentially the welfare of Ghanaian women in Ghana and make them a priority in every issue of human development.

The issues of obstetric fistula can be reduced or curbed with access to quality healthcare and adequate education. It is therefore my wish that civil society organizations, Non Governmental Organizations, the Ministry of Health and other government machinery in charge of education, healthcare and rural development to take up these responsibilities to help save the lives of Ghanaian women in a direction that will complement the work of the United Nations Population Fund to help attain Goal 5 of the Millennium Development Goals.

WISHING ALL MUSLIM WOMEN "EID MUBARAK"

THE ESSENCE OF THE MUSLIM WOMAN IN EID CELEBRATIONS

The role of the woman in the home is one that cannot be performed by any other with the kind of enthusiasm women do. Ramadan, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar has finally come to an end and Muslims all over the world come together in grand style to celebrate the successful end of a period of fasting, prayers and devotion to the will of Allah.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, the role of women in Islamic homes extend to the preparation of early morning meals, housekeeping, to the time of breaking the fast where they have to prepare food and other items for. Working class women especially need to go the extra mile in performing a  balancing act between their jobs and housekeeping. 

Eid Ul Fitr celebration is a period of complete joy and appreciation in the heart of every Muslim woman where families and friends come together to praise Allah for the end of another successful Ramadan. They make merry, eat, drink (alcohol is prohibited in Islam) and rejoice. Seeing people happy is the happiness of the Muslim woman at this period.

One vital thing that signifies this celebration is the prayer performed in the morning of the Eid celebration. Muslims adorn themselves in their best clothing, gather and perform congregational prayer. This is a moment which affords the Imam (leader of the congregation) to preach to the congregation, usually advising them among others to live positive lifestyles and continue the good works and virtues they upheld during Ramadan.

Majority of women in Muslim households prepare the food on Eid day. Women wake up very early in the morning to clean the house, cook and prepare the family for the day ahead. Technically, the joy of the Eid, rests on the shoulder of the woman. These among others are the significant roles played by Muslim women in the celebration of Eid.

Therefore on this occasion of Eid Ul Fitr, we commend all Muslim women for their role in ensuring a wonderful and stress-free Ramadan. May the Almighty Allah bless you beyond measure.

The Complete Woman wishes all Muslim Women a Happy Eid ul Fitr

DIET TO BE RIGHT

Over the years, these are words that never cease to surprise me especially when my cousin says, “Eiii, the person who brought hygiene to this world was killed by cholera” or a friend utters, “the person who brought hygiene to Ghana was killed by a ‘Borla car’ (a vehicle used to collect rubbish) or the recent one, which my colleague at work laughs about saying, “Madam, the person who brought hygiene to this world was killed by germs”. These are comments used by some people to suggest that someone is unnecessarily trying to be conscious of their hygiene. But is it not worth the conscious effort to be mindful of one’s hygiene? I really don’t know which angle exactly to take this from because this is a very broad topic, which needs to be considered with some specificity, in other to facilitate an appreciation of every single detail. Since I want to share my very disgusting experience with you, I guess I might just have to start with food hygiene. These are basic tips we all know but unfortunately take for granted.

One Saturday morning, as I alighted from a bus at the Kwame Nkrumah circle where I had to meet some friends to go to a pre production meeting, I could smell the sweet aroma of different soups and stews coming from all directions. For a second I was impressed at how food vendors at Circle could try so hard to attract customers just with the aroma of their dishes, until I saw this beautiful young lady squatting beside one of the vendors. Passing through, I wondered what she was doing down there (it’s not what you are thinking) then I realized she was working. Guess what! The aromatic okro stew was all over the ground which I think mistakenly poured. With a plastic bowl in her right hand, she was collecting the okro stew back into a bowl, which I strongly believe was meant to be used to serve customers, judging from the way she was carefully collecting the stew from the ground. Don’t forget the sand, pieces of stone, dung, spit, urine, vomit (I’m sorry if that is a bit too detailed) and the hundreds of people who walk all over the place daily. Then I swore never to eat outside again. But I lied, cos I just can’t run away from it.

It is very disturbing the manner in which people handle food in the country. This starts right from the farming methods to market places where ingredients are kept and sold, to the kitchens and cooking conditions. I’m sure you must have experienced a situation where you go into a restaurant or a chop bar, raise you head over the counter, and then you are welcomed with an unpleasant sight of dirty dishes, wet floor among other discouraging views in the kitchen, which magically makes you lose appetite. You are taken aback but cannot refuse the food since you have ordered it already. Now I can imagine that look on your face and the rate at which you were eating the food.

In modern times, the responsibility of women especially in the world of work considerably reduces the rigid perception that the work of the woman ends in the kitchen. Women used to be the custodians of what we eat in our homes, determining the diet of most African households. But today, the chefs of our time include people we have not met before, machines of some unknown origin (for ready to eat and ready to serve foods especially) and farmers who use the best possible means to make returns from their farms regardless of how poisonous these chemicals may be. 

Since we have less control on the farming methods and the life threatening activities by some farmers to produce food crops, it is only prudent that we are mindful of the quality of food we eat. The working class of today especially hardly make time to relish homemade meals during the course of the week and are compelled to eat outside, from restaurants, chop bars and other food joints. However the issue is, if you get the opportunity to cook any food at home, cook it safe and healthy. You may want to work to make life better, but don’t forget the quality of food you eat determines how long you live to enjoy those conditions you create for yourself. I happened to be in the kitchen with a friend to prepare something to eat, and when she realized how cautious I was about the conditions of preparation, she blurted out, “Even food in restaurants and chop bars you eat! Which chop bar cook will find a big fat rat in their soup and pour it away? You eat cockroaches and peoples sweat everyday”. So I said, if I eat cockroaches in chop bars, it doesn’t mean I should eat cockroaches my entire life. This is just to say, find time to cook some healthy meals at home, even if it means preparing your soups and stews over the weekend to make things easier.

After all the numerous issues about the healthy nature of our diets, it is important to note that hand washing before and after meals is magical and can save you a great deal of stress and illness. This is basic knowledge that I perhaps should be preaching to primary one pupils, but it is a common concern among people of all ages. When you step out of your door, you touch a lot of items, shake a lot of hands, and handle door knobs among others. Maybe you washed you hands with soap and water or perhaps used a sanitizer, but what happened to the person whom you gave a handshake? They may have touched certain things especially when they used the bathroom or sneezed in their palm without cleaning his hands. This is where those germs are transferred to you and you smile at them in return.

Still on hand washing, let me share my reckless adventure with you. One evening in Senior Secondary School, after taking a meal of kenkey with fried fish (I did dinner really late, which is a bad thing) I was chatting with my friends in my room to the extent I fell asleep without washing my hands. The next morning I was feeling pains at my finger tips, which I ignored. The pain was becoming so unbearable, and then I decided to check my fingers to see what was wrong. Good Lord, my fingers were chipped by a mouse (unfortunately there were mice in that part of the dormitory). What on earth could mice be doing with my fingers while I was asleep? (I’ll spare you the details). But the morale behind this ‘escapade’ of mine is, never take hand washing for granted. Washing your hands when handling food rids you of bacteria or any unwanted substances and ensures that food contamination and poisoning is avoided.

One thing that is also really convenient but to an extent unhealthy is the intake of packed foods. Ready to serve and ready to eat foods on the market range from different manufacturers. Some manufacturers are able to sell their brand, which gives the impression that those products are healthy and therefore are preferred to others. This may not be true. Too much consumption of ready to eat foods is not advisable because there are always chemicals and preservatives which sometimes kill the nutrients in the food or otherwise reduce the amount of nutrients required by the body. In as much as we cannot avoid these can foods, great care should be taken in treating them before consumption. Most Ghanaians buy can foods for instance in the market without checking the expiry date, storage processes and or even the state of the container of the food. Some metallic cans containing food may be rusted, which makes it extremely dangerous to consume with the risk of being contaminated.

Since they are intended to be eaten as they are, most ready to eat foods have storage instructions which must be read and understood in other to avoid contamination. These items are usually sterile packed and can be heated to make them more tasty. However, do not over heat ready to eat foods since they are meant to be eaten right on opening and may lose nutrients. Do not eat foods left overnight without preservation. Don’t feel lazy to check the expiry date of a product, because you risk the chance of buying a contaminated product. I must also add that, it is not advisable to buy can products which have been displayed in the sun. This may affect the color, taste and quality of the food.

These are simple rules to enhancing a healthy life which can never be done for an individual by any doctor or a dietician. Therefore it is a choice to abide by these basic rules. Who knows, that may be the secret for you celebrating a centenary on Earth.

EAT RIGHT TO LIVE RIGHT

AN UNHEARD PLEA

“My father said he was going to work and take me to school, but he went to work and died there”. Those were the words of little Yakubu as he told me his story.

On the 25^th of July last year as I sat in the offices of Diamond FM in Tamale, a boy of about nine years old walked into the office as he made use of the open door. It was a Wednesday, so I wondered why he was not in school, but the box he held in his hand said everything, he was a shoeshine boy. The little boy did not know his age and neither did not know a word in the English language. 

Driven by curiosity, I enquired more why he was not in school and that was when he said the above quotation to me. There was just one thing this boy asked for; he wanted to be in school. According to Yakubu, his mother was married and lived at Choggu away from where Yakubu lived with his aunt. He had to work for a maximum of four cedis a day to support himself and his aunt. This explained why he was not in school. Whenever little Yakubu falls sick, he is taken from the capital Tamale to a village in the Northern Region for treatment.

This is the situation of many children in Ghana, capable of drawing someone to tears as they do not have the opportunity to attend a school in their lifetime or get three square meals a day. Access to quality health care is a dream yet to become a reality and most of all, child labor is increasingly becoming a major problem in the country.

Mothers go through a lot of challenges to bring forth a child. These range from the physical and emotional stress in carrying the pregnancy for thirty six weeks and the pain in labor and caring for the newly born child. These are roles played by women alone. Mothers give comfort, they love and most of all perform a balancing act between work and housekeeping.  Could this explain the rationale for all the blame being heaped on the mother in times where the child goes wayward or does not live a fulfilled life per the estimation of society?

The upbringing of a child is not just the responsibility of parents and mothers especially, but on society as a whole. This is because most children of school going age spend most of their time in school and social gatherings such as the church. Other systems put in place to seek the welfare of children and young people in the country are also responsible in the upbringing of a child. In Ghana, the state through the Department of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection seeks the welfare of these people who are considered to be the vulnerable in society.

The United Nations Population Fund is one of such organizations which seeks the interest of women and children in the country.

The UNFPA believes in a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.In the midst of the fast developing world where sexual adventure is becoming very common among young people and adolescents, the UNFPA preaches Adolescent Reproductive Health and contributes a great deal to reducing HIV/AIDS, Maternal Mortality and improving the general welfare of children, women and youth in the country. This is evident in the recent media training workshops and the launch of the World Population Day celebration held in Techiman on the 13^th of July this year on the theme “Adolescent Pregnancy”. UNFPA believes that every birth should be wanted to help children live to fulfill their full potential and maximize their energies towards building their country in future. The UNFPA Ghana office I must say is undeniably pursuing their mandate to achieving a society where Maternal Mortality, HIV/AIDS, Teenage Pregnancy and diseases in women such as Fistula are reduced drastically.

The 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana gives the right to every child to free compulsory universal basic education, which is a duty of the country’s leadership to fulfill to its people.

So in a country with a vibrant media which should focus on Human Rights and Development Journalism, the question of who really appreciates and defines development journalism leaves many in a conundrum. This is due to the undeniable fact that the reality of who really cares for the welfare of children in a country like ours is a big issue to worry about. Various political party manifestos are embellished with promises of ensuring good quality education, access to quality health care and the general well being of the Ghanaian child, yet the assurance of a country with an absence of child labor is not assured.

The untold truth is the fact that the Social Welfare institutions and the ministries responsible for the welfare   of poor and needy children are not fulfilling their mandate to creating good conditions for fulfilled lives of children in future. This also raises questions of the impact of the Non-Governmental Organizations flooding the Ghanaian society.

It is up to us to recognize the fact that needy children are not just children on the streets but there are more who are actually vulnerable and live in worse conditions in their homes. This fact when considered makes us notice the exponential rate at which child vulnerability is growing in this country.

It is therefore a collective responsibility of the media, especially students of journalism to contribute our quota to children’s rights and development by studying in fields of Human Rights reporting and Developmental Journalism. This is to acknowledge that providing a good and comfortable life is not a privilege, but a right. The right of one child is the right of all children and justice for a child is justice for the whole nation.

THE WOMAN IS THE BACK BONE OF EVERY CHILD'S LIFE, IT TAKES JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HELP FROM SOCIETY TO MAKE IT BETTER.

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