The Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Prof. Titus Kofi Beyuo, has called for increased awareness and stronger action against preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal deaths, during a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament to mark World Preeclampsia Day 2026.
Observed annually on May 22, this year’s theme, “Know Her Symptoms,” encourages society to recognize the signs of preeclampsia in order to protect pregnant women and save lives.
Prof. Beyuo explained that preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy-related condition associated with high blood pressure and complications affecting vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. If not detected early, it can progress into eclampsia, which may lead to convulsions, premature delivery, or death.
According to the World Health Organization, preeclampsia affects about 10 million pregnancies globally each year and remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana.
The Lambussie MP also disclosed that he recently participated in the maiden Global Preeclampsia Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, organized by the WHO, where global experts discussed strategies to reduce preventable deaths from the condition.
He urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care regularly and encouraged health authorities to ensure the availability of essential equipment and medications, including magnesium sulfate, for effective management of the condition.
Prof. Beyuo further appealed to men to actively support their partners during pregnancy, stressing that male involvement contributes to better pregnancy outcomes.
He concluded by reaffirming that Ghana’s healthcare professionals are well trained to manage the condition and encouraged women to seek timely medical care to help reduce preventable maternal deaths.
Watch the full speech by Hon. Prof. Titus Kofi Beyuo below.
