The Ghana Registered Midwives Association’s Greater Accra chapter has highlighted a pressing issue: needle phobia is significantly hindering blood donation efforts in the country. According to the association, fear of knowing one’s health status and syringe injections are major deterrents to visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities for blood donation.
In an interview with host Nana Asabea on Plan B FM’s Nyansapɔ Fie show, Charlotte Adoboe, a member of the Association and staff of the Kpone Polyclinic, underscored the issue, emphasising that men are particularly affected by needle phobia, often fearing to check their blood status or donate blood.
She also stressed the importance of husbands’ involvement in pregnancy and childbirth, encouraging men to accompany their wives to antenatal and postnatal care.
Patricia Ahiadwo, Secretary for the Greater Accra Region, commended the government for increasing the midwife-patient ratio, making healthcare more accessible.
She noted that whilst many men are unable to accompany their wives due to work commitments, those who do are given priority. Ahiadwo also reassured potential donors that donating blood is a straightforward process with numerous benefits.
Elizabeth Asana Issah, Chairperson of the Association in the Greater Accra Region, cautioned pregnant women against malnutrition, emphasising the importance of proper medication adherence and avoiding alcohol and smoking during pregnancy to prevent harm to the baby.
By: Longman/Planbfmonline.com
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