As the global community commemorates World Health Day 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Health is highlighting the alarming rate of maternal and newborn deaths in the country.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizes the critical role of maternal and newborn health in building healthier families, stronger communities, and a prosperous nation.
Alarming Statistics
According to the statistics, maternal deaths in health facilities increased from 102.6 to 109.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 and 2023, with Greater Accra and Ashanti regions recording higher maternal deaths.
In the case of newborn deaths under one-year of age rose from 7.4 to 8.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, while children under-five deaths increased from 9.8 to 10.9 deaths per 1,000 live births.
For every 1,000 children born alive in Ghana, 52 die between birth and their fifth birthday, 37 die before their first birthday, and 25 die between birth and 28 days.
Preventable Deaths
Many of these deaths are preventable, and the Ministry of Health is calling for urgent action to address the causes and risk factors.
The Ministry is working to strengthen maternal and newborn care across all levels of the healthcare system.
Key Interventions
The Ministry’s efforts include:
– Strengthening collaboration and community engagement
– Providing counselling and screening services for genetic and risk conditions of pregnancy
– Expanding access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric and newborn care services
– Integrating mental health, non-communicable diseases, and family planning into maternal health services
The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that every woman in Ghana has a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, and that every baby is given the best start in life.
