Covid-19's Impact on Maternal Health in Ghana: A Look at NHIS Data

Did you know that the COVID-19 pandemic not only shook up life as we knew it but also had a significant effect on healthcare services? Let's zoom in on Ghana for a moment. The country's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) tracks how the pandemic impacted moms-to-be and newborns. Researchers dived into the data to understand how COVID-19 affected the use of important maternal health services. They focused on four key areas: antenatal care, postnatal care, deliveries, and outpatient visits. So, what did they find? The pandemic definitely made waves. Antenatal care, which is crucial for monitoring pregnant women's health, took a hit. Postnatal care, essential for both mom and baby after birth, also saw changes. Deliveries in healthcare facilities weren't left unscathed either, and outpatient visits for maternal health dropped as well.This isn't just about numbers; it's about people. The pandemic didn't just affect how many times women visited healthcare centers, but it also influenced how and when they did. Fear of catching the virus, lockdowns, and other pandemic factors played a role. The researchers emphasized that understanding these impacts is vital. It could help improve services and prepare for future challenges. Plus, it's a reminder that healthcare needs, especially for moms and babies, don't stop just because a pandemic starts.