Prof Kwawukume making a presentation at the forum
The management of the Family Health Medical School of the Family Health University College (FHUC) has held a continuous professional development (CPD) forum on reproductive endocrinology and psychosocial updates in infertility.
The event which was held at the college’s Tim Johnson Library Complex Hall located at Teshie, Accra, attracted a very large audience, including medical students, lecturers and healthcare workers.
Speaking at the forum on Monday, Prof Erica Marsh, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Chief at the University of Michigan, USA, averred that problems of infertility are a global challenge which calls for pragmatic approach to educate the public on its nature and remedies.
“Notwithstanding its global nature, in Africa, however, the situation is quite different as in most cases the women are blamed for infertility which in most instances translates into unnecessary interferences from members of the extended family doing everything within their means to end the marriage,” she pointed out.
According to her, the problems of infertility affect both men and women alike and a number of factors such as fibroid, age, genetics and severe forms of injuries are the likely causes for infertility in both men and women, including vitality of semen.
Prof Marsh reiterated that there is the absolute need for husbands to go in for fertility tests just as their wives do, or both should be bold enough to undergo proper medical examination when child birth delays.
The President and Founder of Family Health Medical University College and Family Health Hospital, Prof Enyonam Kwawukume, called on couples to do fertility tests once they suspect delays in having children, adding that the days when women alone were pushed to undertake series of medical tests just to have babies were over.
Other speakers at the forum included Prof Timothy Johnson, University of Michagan, USA, and Prof Charles Mate-Kole, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra.
Speaking to DAILY GUIDE, Prof Kwawukume averred that the Family Health Medical School is the country’s premier private medical school which aims, among other things, to train medical doctors who would provide good medical care to enrich Ghana’s healthcare system.
“Our core purpose is to close the doctor to patient gap, as well as create opportunities for Ghanaians and foreign nationals to enrol for excellent medical training among other healthcare delivery services in the country and sub-region,” he revealed.
By Solomon Ofori