Protecting Pregnant Women and Babies from Malaria

Children under age five are the most vulnerable to malaria infection. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that they accounted for 67% (274 000) of all malaria deaths worldwide.

Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for Pregnant Women has been identified to decrease placental parasitaemia and improves birth outcomes.

For this reason, HFFG as a partner of the Ghana Health Service in implementing the National Malaria Control Project in Twifo Atti-Mokwa District in the Central Region has vigorously been reaching out to pregnant women to visit health facilities for their Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) doses to ensure that their unborn babies are protected from malaria.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to get early and regular prenatal care as it helps decrease the risk of complications during child birth. Thus, it enables health care providers to identify, diagnose and treat or manage conditions before they become serious.

As part of activities to help achieve the goals of the project, HFFG Project staff paid a working visit to Twifo Eduabeng CHPS compound to engage with the Ghana Health Service Staff in charge of the facility to receive update on SP uptake and other related issues. 

During the visit, it was realized that, in as much as many pregnant women were visiting the health facility for care, some were defaulting in taking their medications, hence the need for more sensitization and awareness.  

What can be done to protect pregnant women and unborn babies?

• HFFG Project staff together with the Health Officer in charge of the facility have established a pregnancy school which will give psychosocial support, intensify education on malaria control interventions, socio-economic empowerment and other relevant activities. 
• Another strategy is the involvement of pregnant women spouses in pregnant school to help improve attendance and SP uptake.  During the school sessions, gifts are awarded to regular attendees to motivate mothers to do same. Additionally pregnant women who provide right answers to questions are also rewarded.