Cookies on oxfam

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our website. If you continue browsing, we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all our cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Find out more

Birth Rights campaign: Host a photo exhibition

Oxfam's campaigning team has put together a photo exhibition kit that explains the need for better maternal care in Ghana. Take a look at a selection of some of the photos below, and if you'd like to borrow the photo boards from our regional offices, please contact us.

Birth rights

Photo 1/10 photo by: Abbie Trayler-Smith / Oxfam

Selina Fletcher, 30, perpares to go to the labour ward of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana's premier health care facility. In Ghana, Selina is one of the lucky ones - many pregnant women here still do not get the quality, free health care they are entitled to.

  • Selina Fletcher, 30, perpares to go to the labour ward of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana's premier health care facility. In Ghana, Selina is one of the lucky ones - many pregnant women here still do not get the quality, free health care they are entitled to.
  • Selina is taken to the labour war through the busy waiting area of Kerle Bu Hospital, Accra.
  • Selina's overnight bag. In Ghana, many patients are required to bring their own disinfectant, bed sheet, hair net and cloths. Selina didn't bring these items with her, and told to buy them as soon as she arrived. The policy of free health care for pregnant women in Ghana was a big step forward, but these extra costs are still unaffordable for many.
  • As Selina's contractions intensify, the midwide examines her using the basic equipment available. Further investment is needed to train more health workers and provide modern equipment and medicines, so more women can survive childbirth.
  • After five hours in labour, Selina gives birth to a girl. A midwife is there throughout delivery and helps to clean the baby. Across Ghana, nearly half of all women give birth without assistance from a qualified health worker.
  • Savina, named after her Grandmother, opens her eyes for the first time.
  • Selina and her baby girl, Savina, rest in a lying-in ward.
  • Around 35 hours after giving birth, Selina (far right) leaves the hospital with her friends and family.
  • Selina's friend Sarah (left) helps her to settle in at home after the taxi ride from the city.
  • Selina's two sons meet their baby sister for the first time. Selina is fortunate to have benefited from Ghana's free health care policy, but not all women are as lucky. Not all women here are aware of their right to free care, a situation made worse by low levels of literacy and limited education on health-related issues.

How to support the Birth Rights campaign

Birth rights

Learn more about Birth Rights

Birth Rights is Oxfam's new campaign for decent maternal care in Ghana

Learn more

Take action

Email your MP

Help make sure the UK government keeps its promise to deliver aid to Ghana

Email your MP

Host a photo exhibition

Host a photo exhibition

Host a photo exhibition and help raise awareness of the need for decent maternal care in Ghana

Learn more