First Lady celebrates mothers: urges pregnant women to know their HIV status

First lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has called on all pregnant women to check their HIV status to help prevent mother-to-child transmission of the disease. She noted “with early diagnoses and treatment, babies can be prevented from being infected with HIV from an HIV positive mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding”. This was contained in the first lady’s message celebrating and paying tribute to “a unique figure in our lives, our Mother.” According to her, the bond between a mother and her child is a spiritual bond that can never be broken, for which reason she has chosen to use Mothers Day to put the spotlight on issues that affect the well-being of women and children. She also observed maternal mortality still remains a major healthcare problem and believes it will require a collective responsibility to reduce the risks that pregnant women face while carrying a baby. “Please attend antenatal check- ups and follow the advice of your health provider”, she advised. Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo also encouraged mothers to ensure they and their families sleep under treated mosquito nets and exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least six months. “Every mother must make sure her children receive all their vaccinations, at the right time and teach older children regular hand washing with soap and under running water to prevent them from getting unwanted infections and diseases”, she added. She again observed that even though breast and cervical cancer are known to be the leading cause of cancer deaths for women, early detection and treatment can save lives. “Please examine your breast every month and immediately see a doctor when you notice any changes in your breast and undertake regular checks for cervical cancer”, she advised. She encouraged mothers to seek the best for their children, especially girls, in terms of education. By editors.3news.com|Ghana