ASUOM, 7th July 2026– With support from GOPDC, Public Health Officers from the Kwaebibirem Municipal Health Directorate have held a community health education session at Asuom Pentecost Church to sensitize mothers and caregivers on maternal and child health under the theme "The First 1000 Days of Life"
The program was organized and supported by GOPDC in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate. It was moderated by Mr. Samuel Bempong, Kwaebibirem Municipal Health Nutrition Officer and Mad. Georgina Ngar, Municipal Health Promotion Officer. The session brought together mothers and caregivers to discuss critical health practices from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday , a period described as crucial for growth, brain development, and lifelong wellbeing.
Speaking at the event, the officers emphasized the need for *immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery . They noted that this practice promotes bonding, regulates the baby’s temperature, boosts immunity through colostrum, and reduces the risk of postpartum bleeding.
Mothers were also cautioned *not to compare their current delivery and baby’s progress to previous ones ,as every pregnancy and child develops differently.
On postnatal care, participants were advised to report to health facilities within the first 6 weeks after delivery* for review and assessment. During these visits, health staff assess the mother’s recovery, the baby’s growth and feeding, and administer *vaccines due for the infant* according to the GHS Child Health and Immunization schedule.
The team also addressed local practices, discussing the safe use of items commonly used in the community such as *chicken/fowl for nourishment, clean toilet facilities, and clean clothes, to prevent infections during the postpartum period.
On child development, caregivers were taken through key milestones: At 3 weeks babies should feed well, gain weight, and respond to sound, light, and touch. Parents were also taught proper holding techniques. By 1 year:children are expected to stand with support, hold onto objects, and respond to their names. Parents were urged to report any developmental delays early.
The officers stressed that *nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, timely immunization, sanitation, and responsive caregiving* within the first 1000 days are key to preventing stunting and reducing child mortality.
In their closing remarks, Mr. Bempong and Mad. Georgia, on behalf of the Directorate and GOPDC, encouraged mothers to attend all postnatal and child welfare clinics, ensure timely vaccination, monitor child development, and maintain good hygiene and nutrition at home.
The session ended with a question-and-answer segment, with participants expressing appreciation to GOPDC and the Health Directorate for the education and support.
Reported by: Sarpong Appiah Samuel.
