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Improve maternal care, mental health to address infertility —Health experts
Health experts have called for urgent public education, improved maternal care and mental health support to help address the medical and social impact of infertility.
Speaking at a health media training programme organised by the Merck Foundation last week in Dubai, leading specialists from across the continent called for urgent action to fight cultural stigma, improve access to reproductive healthcare, and normalise open conversations around infertility.
Dr Edem K. Hiadzi, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with the Lister Hospital in Accra, highlighted reproductive tract infections as one of the major causes of infertility in women across sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that these infections often result from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unsafe abortion practices, and post-delivery infections, which are frequently linked to untrained birth attendants or traditional healers.
“Infections acquired during unsterile procedures such as unsafe abortions or poorly managed deliveries can lead to tubal blockage and adhesions,” Dr Hiadzi said.
“Asherman’s syndrome, caused by excessive scraping of the uterine lining during dilation and curettage (D&C), is another major contributor. These are preventable conditions, yet they continue to rob many women of the ability to conceive.”
He expressed concern that a significant number of women in rural and underserved communities still deliver outside professional health facilities, increasing their risk of infections that lead to long-term complications.
“We cannot ignore the role of unskilled birth practices in perpetuating infertility. Prolonged and obstructed labour, for instance, can lead to pelvic infections, tubal damage, and obstetric fistula-some of the most devastating outcomes for any woman,” he added.
Dr Hiadzi stressed that infertility, particularly among women, is often misunderstood and leads to severe social consequences.
Supporting his call for action, Dr Francisca Bwalya, a consultant psychiatrist and Zambia’s National Mental Health Coordinator, highlighted the psychological trauma many women endure due to infertility.
Dr Bwalya warned that the emotional burden can lead to anxiety, depression, and long-lasting mental health challenges.
She called for community-based education campaigns to address behavioural practices and promote safer reproductive choices.
Dr David Mwesigye, a fertility specialist based in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasised the importance of early medical intervention.
He explained that while men can remain fertile well into old age, women’s fertility significantly declines after the age of 35.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
