The Ghana Health Service has launched a comprehensive initiative to reduce maternal mortality by 50% over the next 5 years, addressing one of the country's most critical health challenges.
Current situation:
- 300 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
- Target: 150 by 2029
- SDG target: 70 by 2030
Intervention strategies:
- Upgrade 50 district hospitals with emergency obstetric care
- Train 1,000 midwives
- Free maternal healthcare nationwide
- Ambulance service for obstetric emergencies
- Community-based maternal health education
Major causes of maternal mortality in Ghana:
- Post-partum hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Hypertensive disorders (pre-eclampsia)
- Sepsis (infection)
- Obstructed labor
The initiative is supported by UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank, with total funding of GHS 500 million over 5 years.
Success will depend on improving access to skilled birth attendance, emergency transportation, and quality healthcare in rural areas where most maternal deaths occur.
