MWANZA region has embarked on a special campaign to encourage expectant mothers to attend antenatal clinics in order to know their health status and avoid complications during delivery.
Mwanza Regional Public Health Education Coordinator, Mr Denis Kashaija told ‘Daily News’ on Thursday that the clinics are also crucial for monitoring foetus development. He said that the dangerous indicator for expectant mothers, especially those below twenty years as severe anemia and scar rupture.
Mr Kashaija added that, other dangerous indicators for pregnant women are pregnancy epilepsy and if a mother has given birth more than five times. He called upon the public to support pregnant mothers in their communities in effort to serve their lives.
Detailing on dangerous indicators for expectant mothers in Mwanza, he said that between January and March this year, 1,837 pregnant women faced some problems because they become pregnant more than five times.
Similarly, 172 other pregnant women had some complications due to high blood pressure, while 335 had problems due to a ruptured scar.
He further said that 547 expectant mothers had a problem due to anemia.
“Following all these complications, the region has seen that need for raising awareness on the importance of attending antenatal care so that such challenges are addressed to avoid complications,” he said.
He said the campaign is taking place in all health facilities in the region to raise awareness on the matter.
Mr Kashaija said that the move will make pregnant women and children safe thus reduce unnecessary expenses for treating health complications which could be avoided.
In Tanzania, the recommended package includes an initial visit before 16 weeks, a second visit between 20 and 24 weeks, a third visit between 28 and 32 weeks, and a fourth visit at 36 weeks.
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2019/2020, the number of expectant mothers who completed four or more antenatal care visits was 77 per cent compared to 41 per cent in the same period in 2015/2016.
Statistics also indicate that the number of women who give birth in health facilities has increased to 83 per cent in March 2020 compared to 64 per cent the same period in 2015/16.
