KIGALI - THE Chief of Staff at Rwamagana district hospital, Dr. Avite Mutaganzwa, has called upon women to prioritise antenatal services in a bid to reduce risks at child birth.

Mutaganzwa noted that most Rwandan women have a tendency of hiding their pregnancies for the first few months citing, that such news can only be revealed when it begins to show.

"Since there are normally long queues at health centres and hospitals, most women especially in the rural areas find no reason to queue yet they do not feel ill,” he said.

"We need to up our sensitization efforts because antenatal care helps in saving the lives of mothers and their babies. Once a medical problem is detected earlier, then it is easier for health officials to follow up on the pregnant woman until delivery.”

With reference to the efforts of community health workers in advancing knowledge concerning antenatal services, the official added that these workers are doing their best but authorities should do more sensitization drives.

"It is also unfortunate that most of the time when local leaders meet to discuss issues in the community, health may come last among the priority issues yet, an unhealthy society cannot achieve development,” Mutaganzwa emphasized.

In other places like Rubavu, the situation has improved.
Dr. Patrice Karumugabo who heads Gisenyi Hospital, attributes the increased number of women at antenatal clinics to the mass sensitization about the benefits.

"Antenatal services are key in identifying whether a pregnant mother is HIV positive or negative. This also helps us to act accordingly as regards rendering prevention of mother-to-child-transmission,” Karumugabo said.

Statistics show that there has been an increase in the number of women who accessed antenatal services at the hospital. In 2008, there were 14,318 and 14,688 2009.
"This is due to sensitization, and over time, more and more women have come to understand the importance of these services,” he said

Officials in the Ministry of Health add that on several occasions, incentives such as gift baskets have also been given out to exemplary women who turn up for these services when pregnant.

Ends