Maternal and newborn health tops Ghana’s agenda on World Health Day

Recent data from 2022 and 2023 shows that maternal deaths in health facilities have risen from 102.6 to 109.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions recording the highest numbers

GHS/World health day/maternal and newborn health — When Fati Mahama, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer at Tamale Central Hospital, realized there were too many stillbirths happening in her community, she wanted to do something about it. With USAID support, a Whatsapp group facilitates referrals between facilities, which is ensuring mothers reach care in a timely manner. Fati named the group “Zero Stillbirths” to highlight their goal. Tamale, Ghana. Credit: Amy Cotter Fowler for USAID

As the world marks World Health Day today (7 April), the Ministry of Health is calling attention to the urgent need to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.

In a press statement issued ahead of the commemoration, the ministry highlighted a worrying increase in maternal and newborn deaths across the country, reinforcing the need for immediate action.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” spotlights the importance of quality maternal and newborn care in building stronger families and a healthier nation.

Recent data from 2022 and 2023 shows that maternal deaths in health facilities have risen from 102.6 to 109.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions recording the highest numbers.

Similarly, newborn deaths under one year rose from 7.4 to 8.1 per 1,000, while under-five mortality rates increased from 9.8 to 10.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, particularly in northern regions.

The statistics are alarming: for every 1,000 babies born in Ghana, 52 die before age five, with 37 dying before their first birthday and 25 within the first month of life.

Meanwhile, the proportion of births attended by skilled health professionals has dropped from 62.6% to 60.6%, raising further concerns about access to critical maternal care.

The ministry stressed that most of these deaths are preventable, reaffirming its commitment to tackling the root causes by improving access to skilled care, enhancing service quality, and prioritising women’s and children’s health across the country.

With backing from key national policies such as the Essential Health Services Benefit Package (2022–2030) and the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition Strategic Plan (2020–2025), Ghana aims to cut maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 live births and newborn deaths to 12 per 1,000 by 2030.

The Ministry says it will focus on awareness creation, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration to accelerate progress in safeguarding the future of mothers and children in Ghana.

Read the statement in full below:

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