Tema: The Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate has introduced an innovative mobile-based system designed to assist pregnant women and mothers in accessing vital health information and services. The initiative aims to enhance maternal and child health outcomes by leveraging mobile technology to provide timely and relevant support to women across the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the system, known as 'Nurse Mary,' is championed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and supported by Jacaranda Health. It delivers time-sensitive information to pregnant women and offers reminders about upcoming appointments, information on expected symptoms, and self-care tips on nutrition and hygiene, among others.
The launch was characterized by a role play in Twi, Ga, and Ewe languages, demonstrating how the system works and its benefits for pregnant women, mothers, and infants. Dr. Sally Quartey, the Tema Metropolitan Director of Health Services, stated that the Ghana Health Service introduced a policy that assigns each pregnant woman to a specific midwife to improve personalized care and foster a stronger connection between expectant mothers and healthcare providers.
Dr. Quartey noted that there could be instances when a midwife might be engaged elsewhere when a pregnant woman requires urgent attention. The SMS system addresses this challenge by providing timely, relevant, and accessible health information. She mentioned that Tema Metro is one of the districts where the project is being piloted, significantly empowering women to make informed decisions about their health while also providing feedback to healthcare providers.
After the pilot phase, women now receive messages about critical stages of their pregnancy. If they do not feel foetal movements at a certain stage, they can send a text message to 384 to seek guidance. In urgent cases, they receive a prompt response directing them to the appropriate healthcare providers or facility.
Dr. Quartey expressed confidence that the SMS initiative would enable women to quickly identify danger signs, seek medical assistance promptly, and enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Mr. John Hammond, an official from Jacaranda Health, explained that his organization partners with the government and health facilities to implement cost-effective digital health interventions. The initiative, named 'Promoting Mothers in Pregnancy and Postpartum through SMS,' empowers women with information to recognize danger signs during pregnancy and seek immediate medical attention when necessary.
He noted that the initiative began in the Greater Accra Region and would be extended to the entire country by the end of the year. To enroll in the service, women can register by dialing 'MAMA' to 384 through an SMS, where they will receive further details in English and Twi. He added that they are ensuring all pregnant women and mothers, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can benefit from the free service.
