Worawora (O/R), March 25, – The Oti Region has recorded a notable decline in maternal deaths, a development hailed as a major health milestone. However, rising infant mortality is raising alarms among health officials, highlighting gaps in the region’s healthcare system.
Dr. Kofi Amo-Kodieh, Oti Regional Director of Health Services, disclosed that maternal mortality fell from 70 to 41 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025, reflecting the impact of targeted interventions and strengthened healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Performance Review Meeting, themed “Strengthening Quality Public Health and Clinical Services for Improved Health Outcomes: The Role of the Health Professional,” Dr. Amo-Kodieh attributed the improvement to increased access to skilled delivery services, which rose from 62.7% to 67%, enhanced antenatal care, and intensified community-level programs.
“This demonstrates the dedication of our health professionals and the effectiveness of targeted interventions,” he said.
Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance also saw a slight increase, signaling growing public confidence in regional health services.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Amo-Kodieh expressed concern over a rise in infant mortality, which increased from 2.8 to 3.38 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025. He linked the trend to gaps in neonatal care, delayed health-seeking behaviour, and limited access to quality healthcare in remote areas.
The region also recorded mixed outcomes in reproductive and child health indicators. Teenage pregnancy slightly declined, while anaemia in pregnancy rose to 29.4%, raising concerns over maternal nutrition and pregnancy outcomes. Some childhood immunisation coverage also dipped slightly, prompting warnings about potential exposure to preventable diseases.
Dr. Amo-Kodieh cited systemic challenges, including the absence of a regional medical store, shortages of critical healthcare personnel—about 60 doctors—and logistical constraints affecting service delivery in remote communities.
He further warned against encroachment on land reserved for health facilities, noting that such trends could jeopardise future expansion of healthcare infrastructure.
To address gaps, the Regional Health Directorate has undertaken several interventions, including completing a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Worawora Government Hospital, installing a dedicated transformer to stabilise vaccine cold chain systems, and constructing an oxygen plant to enhance emergency and critical care.
Dr. Amo-Kodieh called for stronger collaboration among government, local authorities, and development partners to sustain gains in maternal health and curb rising infant deaths.
“We must intensify efforts to ensure every mother and child, regardless of location, has access to quality healthcare,” he said, reaffirming the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to improving health outcomes and moving closer to universal health coverage in the region.
GHBUSS
March 25, 2026
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