Eating white clay and ice linked to maternal deaths – Deputy Health Minister

Ghana's Deputy Minister for Health, Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has expressed alarm over the rising maternal mortality and anaemia among pregnant women in the country. She cautioned that unusual cravings, such as consuming white clay locally known as "ayilo" or "shile" and chewing ice, could signal severe anaemia, which is a significant contributor to maternal deaths.

During a Public Accounts Committee hearing, the Deputy Minister emphasized that anaemia, often neglected at the primary healthcare level, leaves pregnant women extremely vulnerable during childbirth, particularly when they suffer from bleeding. She stated that haemorrhage remains the primary cause of maternal mortality in Ghana, with numerous women "bleeding to death."

One of the common yet often overlooked indicators of anaemia is pica, which involves craving and consuming non-food substances. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah stressed that pica is not a typical pregnancy craving but may be a clinical sign of anaemia that necessitates immediate medical intervention.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that many maternal deaths could be avoided if anaemia were identified and treated early at Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, health centres, and district hospitals, well before delivery. She emphasized the global challenge of blood availability, stressing that blood cannot be manufactured or purchased, making the prevention of anaemia even more crucial.

The Government's Free Primary Health Care programme gives her hope that the early screening and management of pregnant women would be enhanced. Prof. Ayensu-Danquah expressed optimism that the programme would facilitate comprehensive assessments of pregnant women at the basic healthcare level.