Bolgatanga, Dec. 11, – The Upper East Region recorded an increase in maternal deaths, rising from 42 in 2024 to 56 between January and October 2025.
“In absolute terms, we recorded 42 maternal deaths in 2024, and this rose significantly to 56 deaths by the end of October 2025,” Dr Braimah Baba Abubakari, Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has disclosed.
Dr Abubakari made this known at the matriculation ceremony and launch of the 75th Anniversary of the Midwifery Training College in Bolgatanga.
He said the stillbirth rate also saw a marginal rise, increasing from 9.9 per cent in 2024 to 10.17 per cent as of October 2025.
The anniversary celebration was held on the theme: “75 Years of Excellence in Midwifery Education: Sustaining Maternal and Child Health Care.”
Dr Abubakari noted that Ante-Natal Care (ANC) coverage declined from 74.28 per cent in 2024 to 72.68 per cent by the end of October 2025, while skilled deliveries dropped from 73.06 per cent in 2024 to 67.66 per cent over the same period.
He added that survival rates for preterm babies ranged between 78 per cent and 85 per cent, while family planning acceptor rates fell from 35 per cent in 2024 to 28.4 per cent in 2025.
The Regional Director observed that neonatal mortality continued to constitute a significant proportion of under-five deaths in the region.
He expressed concern about persistent human resource shortages, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities where midwives were most needed. He further noted that emerging health challenges such as teenage pregnancy, non-communicable diseases and the effects of climate change on health required new competencies and innovative approaches.
Dr Abubakari said these challenges underscored the relevance of the anniversary theme, stressing that excellence in midwifery must not only be celebrated but sustained.
To achieve this, he called for sustained investment in continuous professional development to equip midwives with modern skills and knowledge.
He emphasised the importance of infrastructure and technology, including simulation laboratories, digital learning platforms and telemedicine, in enhancing the quality of midwifery education and practice.
Dr Abubakari also advocated increased focus on research and innovation, noting that midwifery practice must evolve in response to changing health needs. He further highlighted the importance of strong partnerships among government, academia and communities to strengthen maternal and child health systems.
GHBUSS
No comments:
Post a Comment