Asantehene Calls for Urgent Action to Reduce Maternal Deaths in Ghana

Key Takeaways

• The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called for urgent measures to reduce maternal deaths in Ghana.
• He described the loss of women during childbirth as unacceptable in the 21st century.
• The Asantehene urged doctors, nurses, and other frontline health workers to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in providing maternal healthcare.

The call to action was made during a courtesy call by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Dr. Ayensu Danquah was on an official tour of the Ashanti Region to engage key stakeholders on strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal deaths.

Background & Context

The issue of maternal mortality has been a persistent challenge in Ghana, with the country struggling to reduce the number of deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 310 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

Key Findings

The meeting between the Asantehene and the Deputy Minister highlighted the need for urgent action to address the issue of maternal mortality in Ghana.

The Asantehene commended the Deputy Minister for her work under the Maternal Mortality Action and Response Programme (M-MARP) and welcomed the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to tackle maternal mortality.

Broader Implications

The issue of maternal mortality is not only a health concern but also has significant social and economic implications for families and communities in Ghana.

Families who lose a mother during childbirth often face significant economic and social challenges, including increased poverty and reduced household income.

Looking Ahead

The call to action by the Asantehene is a timely reminder of the need for urgent measures to reduce maternal deaths in Ghana.

The Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health must work together to implement effective strategies to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and reduce preventable maternal deaths.